Which of the following statements is false?

• A. Transcription is the process that creates an RNA product from a sequence of DNA.
• B. RNA polymerase builds RNA molecules from a DNA template.
• C. A promoter is a sequence of DNA within a gene where RNA polymerase can begin transcription.
• D. RNA polymerase, like DNA polymerase, requires a primer to begin RNA synthesis.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of transcription: Transcription is the process by which an RNA molecule is synthesized from a DNA template. This involves the enzyme RNA polymerase, which reads the DNA sequence and builds a complementary RNA strand.
2. Recognize the role of RNA polymerase: RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. It binds to the DNA and facilitates the addition of RNA nucleotides to form an RNA strand.
3. Identify the function of a promoter: A promoter is a specific DNA sequence that signals the start of a gene. It is the site where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.
4. Clarify the requirement of a primer: Unlike DNA polymerase, which requires a primer to start DNA synthesis, RNA polymerase does not require a primer to begin RNA synthesis. This is a key difference between the two enzymes.
5. Evaluate the statements: Based on the understanding of transcription, RNA polymerase, and the role of a promoter, identify that the statement 'RNA polymerase, like DNA polymerase, requires a primer to begin RNA synthesis' is false because RNA polymerase does not need a primer.