In this illustration, DNA is unzipping to make mRNA during transcription. DNA acts as a blueprint, pairing bases to make single strands of RNA. Identify the pairings you would see when DNA makes RNA: A-U and C-G
The base pairings for DNA and RNA synthesis are as follows:
- DNA: Adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).
- RNA: Adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).
During transcription, the DNA strand unwinds and opens up, allowing RNA polymerase to attach to the exposed DNA template strand. RNA polymerase then moves along the template strand, adding ribonucleotides to the growing RNA strand in a complementary fashion.
So, The base pairings between DNA and RNA are essential for accurate transcription.