During the elongation stage of transcription, what molecule is synthesized?

• A. Messenger RNA (mRNA)
• B. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
• C. Transfer RNA (tRNA)
• D. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of transcription: Transcription is the process by which genetic information in DNA is copied into a complementary RNA molecule. This occurs in three stages: initiation, elongation, and termination.
2. Focus on the elongation stage: During elongation, RNA polymerase moves along the DNA template strand, synthesizing a strand of RNA by adding complementary nucleotides to the growing RNA chain.
3. Identify the type of RNA synthesized: The RNA molecule synthesized during transcription is messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
4. Differentiate mRNA from other types of RNA: Transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) are involved in translation, not transcription. They play roles in assembling amino acids into proteins but are not synthesized during transcription.
5. Conclude that the molecule synthesized during the elongation stage of transcription is mRNA, which serves as the intermediary between DNA and protein synthesis.