Transcription produces:
a. DNA molecules
b. RNA molecules
c. Polypeptides
d. Palindromes

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of transcription in molecular biology: Transcription is the process by which the genetic information in DNA is copied into a complementary RNA molecule.
2. Recall that transcription occurs in the cell nucleus (in eukaryotes) and involves the enzyme RNA polymerase, which synthesizes RNA from the DNA template.
3. Identify the product of transcription: since RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand, it produces an RNA strand complementary to the DNA.
4. Recognize that the RNA produced can be messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), or ribosomal RNA (rRNA), but all are types of RNA molecules.
5. Therefore, transcription produces RNA molecules, which corresponds to option b.

Key Concepts

Transcription Process

Transcription is the process by which a segment of DNA is copied into RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase. It is the first step in gene expression, producing an RNA molecule complementary to the DNA template strand.

RNA Molecules

RNA molecules are single-stranded nucleic acids that play various roles in the cell, including messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Difference Between Transcription and Translation

Transcription produces RNA from DNA, while translation uses mRNA to synthesize polypeptides (proteins). Understanding this distinction clarifies that transcription does not produce DNA or proteins directly.