Describe how mRNA is formed by transcription in eukaryotes.
- AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 10 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 10
Describe how mRNA is formed by transcription in eukaryotes.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe how mRNA is formed by transcription in eukaryotes.
- AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 10 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 1: Hydrogen bonds break
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The process of transcription begins with the breaking of hydrogen bonds between the base pairs of the DNA, which helps to separate the two strands.
Step 2
Step 2: DNA template strand
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Only one strand of the DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of mRNA.
Step 3
Step 3: Complementary base pairing
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Free RNA nucleotides align along the DNA template strand through complementary base pairing, where adenine pairs with uracil in RNA (instead of thymine).
Step 4
Step 4: RNA polymerase joins nucleotides
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
RNA polymerase is the enzyme that facilitates the joining of RNA nucleotides to form a growing mRNA strand.
Step 5
Step 5: Pre-mRNA and splicing
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
After transcription, the initial RNA product (pre-mRNA) undergoes splicing to remove introns and join exons, producing mature mRNA.
