What catalyzes the linkage between ribonucleotides to form RNA during gene expression?

• A. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase
• B. A ribozyme
• C. Tyrosinase
• D. RNA polymerase

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of transcription, where RNA is synthesized from a DNA template. This is a key step in gene expression.
2. Identify the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the formation of RNA from ribonucleotides. This enzyme is known as RNA polymerase.
3. Recognize that RNA polymerase binds to the DNA template and facilitates the addition of ribonucleotides in a sequence complementary to the DNA template strand.
4. Note that RNA polymerase moves along the DNA, unwinding the double helix and synthesizing a single strand of RNA by forming phosphodiester bonds between ribonucleotides.
5. Differentiate RNA polymerase from other enzymes such as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, which is involved in translation, and tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production, to confirm that RNA polymerase is the correct enzyme for RNA synthesis during transcription.