What does a bacterial RNA polymerase produce when it transcribes a protein-coding gene?a. rRNAb. tRNAc. mRNAd. snRNA

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that RNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for transcribing DNA into RNA.
2. Recognize that a protein-coding gene contains the instructions for making a protein.
3. Recall that mRNA (messenger RNA) is the type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.
4. Identify that rRNA (ribosomal RNA) and tRNA (transfer RNA) are involved in the process of translation, not transcription.
5. Conclude that when bacterial RNA polymerase transcribes a protein-coding gene, it produces mRNA.

Key Concepts

Transcription

Transcription is the process by which RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA from a DNA template. During this process, the enzyme unwinds the DNA and assembles a complementary strand of RNA, which is crucial for gene expression. This step is essential for producing various types of RNA, including mRNA, which carries the genetic information needed for protein synthesis.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a type of RNA that conveys genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. It is produced during transcription of protein-coding genes and serves as a template for translation, guiding the assembly of amino acids into proteins. mRNA is vital for the expression of genes and the functioning of cells.

Types of RNA

There are several types of RNA, each serving distinct roles in the cell. The main types include rRNA (ribosomal RNA), which forms the core of ribosome structure; tRNA (transfer RNA), which transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis; and mRNA, which carries the genetic code from DNA. Understanding these types is essential for grasping how genetic information is expressed and utilized in biological systems.