Which statement best describes a key difference between transcription and DNA replication?

• A. Transcription duplicates the entire genome once per cell cycle, whereas DNA replication produces RNA copies of specific genes as needed.
• B. Transcription requires a primer to begin synthesis, whereas DNA replication can start synthesis without a primer.
• C. Transcription uses RNA polymerase to synthesize an RNA strand from a DNA template, whereas DNA replication uses DNA polymerase to synthesize a DNA strand from a DNA template.
• D. Transcription produces double-stranded nucleic acid products, whereas DNA replication produces single-stranded nucleic acid products.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the main processes involved: transcription and DNA replication are both fundamental molecular biology processes but serve different purposes.
2. Recall that transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, while DNA replication is the process of copying the entire DNA molecule to produce two identical DNA molecules.
3. Understand the enzymes involved: transcription uses RNA polymerase to create an RNA strand, whereas DNA replication uses DNA polymerase to synthesize a new DNA strand.
4. Consider the nature of the products: transcription produces single-stranded RNA molecules, while DNA replication produces double-stranded DNA molecules.
5. Evaluate the given statements by comparing these key differences to determine which one accurately describes the fundamental distinction between transcription and DNA replication.