The diagram shows a transcription bubble with RNA polymerase synthesizing a nascent RNA from a DNA template.
Which best describes how RNA polymerase reads DNA during transcription?
- Acheck_circle
It reads the template strand 3' to 5' and synthesizes RNA 5' to 3'.
- B
It requires a primer made by primase.
- C
It reads both strands simultaneously.
- D
It reads the template strand 5' to 3' and synthesizes RNA 3' to 5'.
Explanation
RNA polymerase reads the template (antisense) strand 3' to 5', polymerizing the new RNA in the 5' to 3' direction. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase does not require a primer.