During transcription, in which direction does RNA polymerase move along the DNA template strand?

• A. From $5\prime$ to $3\prime$ along the template strand
• B. RNA polymerase moves along the coding strand from $3\prime$ to $5\prime$
• C. RNA polymerase moves bidirectionally from the promoter in both directions along the template strand
• D. From $3\prime$ to $5\prime$ along the template strand

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that during transcription, RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA by reading the DNA template strand.
2. Understand that DNA strands have directionality, labeled as 5' to 3' and 3' to 5', which is crucial for enzyme movement.
3. Know that RNA polymerase moves along the DNA template strand in the 3' to 5' direction to synthesize RNA in the 5' to 3' direction.
4. Recognize that the template strand is complementary and antiparallel to the RNA being synthesized, so the enzyme must move opposite to the RNA direction.
5. Therefore, RNA polymerase moves from the 3' end toward the 5' end along the template strand during transcription.