Main Answer:
During the elongation phase of transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase catalyzes the synthesis of RNA.
Explanation:
In the process of transcription, which occurs in the nucleus of a cell, RNA polymerase plays a crucial role during the elongation phase. This enzyme moves along the DNA template strand, unwinding the double helix and catalyzing the addition of complementary RNA nucleotides to the growing RNA chain. The enzyme facilitates the formation of phosphodiester bonds between the RNA nucleotides, resulting in the elongation of the RNA molecule.
As RNA polymerase progresses along the DNA template, the newly synthesized RNA molecule peels away, and the DNA double helix reforms. This dynamic process continues until a termination signal is reached, marking the end of the transcription process. The elongation phase is characterized by the continuous addition of nucleotides to the growing RNA chain, guided by the complementary base pairing between the DNA template and the RNA nucleotides.
Understanding the role of RNA polymerase during the elongation phase provides insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms that govern gene expression. This enzymatic activity is central to the synthesis of RNA from DNA, a fundamental process that contributes to the synthesis of proteins and the regulation of various cellular functions.