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. Identify the function of RNA polymerase in bacteria, which is to synthesize RNA from a DNA template.
2. Understand the different types of RNA that can be produced: rRNA (ribosomal RNA), tRNA (transfer RNA), mRNA (messenger RNA), and snRNA (small nuclear RNA).
3. Recognize that the question specifically asks about the transcription of a protein-coding gene.
4. Recall that mRNA is the type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.
5. Conclude that the RNA polymerase produces mRNA when it transcribes a protein-coding gene.

Key Concepts

Transcription

Transcription is the process by which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template. In this process, RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of the DNA and unwinds the double helix, allowing it to read the gene's coding sequence. The result of transcription is the formation of a complementary RNA strand, which can then be processed and translated into a protein.

Types of RNA

There are several types of RNA produced in cells, each serving distinct functions. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis, while transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) play roles in translating that information into proteins. Understanding these types is crucial for grasping how genes are expressed and proteins are made.

Bacterial RNA Polymerase

Bacterial RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template in prokaryotic cells. Unlike eukaryotic cells, bacteria have a single type of RNA polymerase that transcribes all types of RNA, including mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA. This enzyme initiates transcription at specific promoter regions and is essential for gene expression in bacteria.