Which enzyme is responsible for transcribing DNA during the process of transcription?

• A. DNA ligase
• B. RNA polymerase
• C. DNA polymerase
• D. Helicase

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of transcription. Transcription is the process by which the genetic information in DNA is copied into RNA. This occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and involves the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA) from a DNA template.
2. Step 2: Identify the role of enzymes in transcription. Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate specific reactions. In transcription, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from the DNA template is RNA polymerase.
3. Step 3: Differentiate between the enzymes listed in the problem. DNA ligase is involved in joining DNA fragments during replication and repair. DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA during replication. Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix during replication and transcription. RNA polymerase is the enzyme that transcribes DNA into RNA.
4. Step 4: Confirm the correct enzyme for transcription. RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of the DNA and catalyzes the formation of RNA by adding complementary RNA nucleotides to the DNA template strand.
5. Step 5: Conclude that RNA polymerase is the correct enzyme responsible for transcribing DNA during transcription, based on its specific function in the process.