Which statement correctly describes the difference between DNA transcription and DNA replication?

• A. Transcription results in two identical DNA molecules, while replication produces a single RNA molecule.
• B. Transcription and replication both use DNA polymerase as the main enzyme.
• C. Transcription produces an RNA copy of a gene, while replication produces an exact DNA copy of the entire genome.
• D. Transcription copies the entire genome, while replication copies only specific genes.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the processes involved. DNA replication is the process by which the entire DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules, ensuring genetic information is passed on during cell division.
2. Step 2: Recognize that transcription is the process of copying a specific segment of DNA (a gene) into RNA, specifically messenger RNA (mRNA), which will be used to produce proteins.
3. Step 3: Identify the enzymes involved. DNA replication primarily uses DNA polymerase to synthesize new DNA strands, while transcription uses RNA polymerase to synthesize RNA from the DNA template.
4. Step 4: Compare the products. Replication results in two identical DNA molecules, whereas transcription results in a single RNA molecule complementary to the DNA gene sequence.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement must reflect that transcription produces an RNA copy of a gene, and replication produces an exact DNA copy of the entire genome.