Question

For each gene, one DNA strand functions as a template for _______.

Answer 1

One DNA strand acts as a template for mRNA synthesis through the process of transcription, with base pairing rules ensuring the correct formation of the complementary RNA strand necessary for protein synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

For each gene, one DNA strand functions as a template for mRNA synthesis during transcription. Transcription is a vital process where the sequence of nucleotides in a gene is copied into a complementary mRNA sequence. The template strand is the segment of DNA that serves as the guide for creating this complementary RNA molecule. During this process, the nucleotide adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U) in RNA, and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). When you see a sequence like 3'-TACTG-5' on the DNA template strand, the complementary mRNA sequence would be 5'-AUGAC-3', replacing thymine (T) with uracil (U).

In gene expression, this mRNA serves as the code that dictates the order of amino acids in a protein during translation. The correct sequence is essential for synthesizing functional proteins. The enzyme DNA Polymerase plays an important role in reading the original template strand and forming the new strand with base pairing rules, but in transcription, RNA polymerase carries out RNA synthesis. This transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA is part of the Central Dogma of molecular biology.