Question

Which of the following best describes the nucleic acid complex formed during RNA polymerization?

a) RNA-DNA hybrid
b) RNA-RNA duplex
c) DNA-DNA duplex
d) RNA-protein complex

Answer 1

During RNA polymerization, an RNA-DNA hybrid is formed, where the newly synthesized RNA momentarily pairs with the DNA template strand. If a small nucleic acid containing uracil and bound to amino acids is purified, it indicates the presence of transfer RNA (tRNA), which plays a crucial role in protein synthesis. The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

During RNA polymerization, which is part of the transcription process in gene expression, an RNA-DNA hybrid is formed. This complex occurs when RNA polymerase synthesizes a new RNA strand by adding nucleotides complementary to the DNA template strand.

Although RNA is typically single-stranded, during transcription, the newly synthesized RNA strand is momentarily bonded to the DNA template strand, creating the RNA-DNA hybrid. Following synthesis, the RNA strand disassociates from the DNA, and DNA rewinds to its original double helix structure.