Final answer:
The template strand of DNA serves as a template during transcription, producing mRNA that carries genetic information to ribosomes. The coding strand has a sequence that correlates with mRNA, with thymine replaced by uracil. mRNA is crucial for translating genetic information into protein.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the process of gene expression, a specific segment of DNA is transcribed to produce messenger RNA (mRNA), which then carries the genetic information to the ribosomes for protein synthesis. Transcription involves the synthesis of mRNA that is complementary to the DNA template strand, also known as the antisense strand. The other DNA strand is called the coding strand or sense strand because its sequence matches that of mRNA, replacing thymine (T) with uracil (U). During translation, the mRNA works with ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) to translate the nucleotide sequence into a sequence of amino acids, forming a protein. This process adheres to the Central Dogma of molecular biology: DNA –> RNA –> Protein.
- Template Strand: The DNA strand that serves as a template for RNA synthesis during transcription.
- Coding Strand: The DNA strand whose sequence is similar to the mRNA sequence, but with thymine instead of uracil.
- mRNA: A single-stranded molecule synthesized from DNA that carries the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosome for protein synthesis.