In an overview of transcription, in which direction does RNA polymerase read the DNA template strand to synthesize RNA?

• A. It reads both DNA strands simultaneously in the $5\prime$ to $3\prime$ direction to produce a double-stranded RNA product.
• B. It reads the coding (non-template) strand $3\prime$ to $5\prime$ and synthesizes RNA in the same direction.
• C. It reads the template strand $5\prime$ to $3\prime$ (and synthesizes RNA $3\prime$ to $5\prime$).
• D. It reads the template strand $3\prime$ to $5\prime$ (and synthesizes RNA $5\prime$ to $3\prime$).

Answer: (D)