The process of copying genetic information from one strand of DNA into a complementary RNA molecule, as the first step of gene expression, is correctly termed as what?

Introduction / Context:
Gene expression in cells generally follows the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA makes RNA, and RNA makes protein. The first step in this flow of information is the synthesis of an RNA molecule using one strand of DNA as a template. This step allows genetic information stored in DNA to be temporarily converted into a form that ribosomes can read. The question asks for the proper term used to describe the process of copying information from DNA into RNA.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The process involves copying genetic information from a strand of DNA.
• The product is an RNA molecule, such as messenger RNA.
• The process is part of gene expression.
• The options include translation, transcription, replication, mutation, and recombination.

Concept / Approach:
Transcription is the process in which RNA polymerase binds to a specific region on DNA called a promoter and synthesizes an RNA strand that is complementary to one of the DNA strands. In prokaryotes, this can produce messenger RNA directly, while in eukaryotes further processing is required. Translation, on the other hand, is the process by which ribosomes use messenger RNA to synthesize polypeptides. Replication is the copying of DNA into identical DNA prior to cell division. Mutation and recombination are processes that alter genetic information but are not used to describe the normal copying of DNA into RNA.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the direction of information flow described: from DNA to RNA. Step 2: Recall that the process from DNA to RNA is called transcription, while from RNA to protein is called translation. Step 3: Understand that replication is DNA to DNA, not DNA to RNA. Step 4: Recognize that mutation and recombination change DNA sequences but do not describe normal RNA synthesis. Step 5: Select transcription as the correct term for the copying of DNA information into RNA.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can check by recalling the sequence of events in gene expression. In a typical gene, transcription occurs first in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, producing a pre messenger RNA. This RNA is processed to form mature messenger RNA, which then exits the nucleus and associates with ribosomes for translation. Textbooks consistently use the phrase “DNA is transcribed to RNA and RNA is translated to protein.” This simple phrase confirms that transcription is the process described in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Translation, synthesis of polypeptides on ribosomes: Translation uses RNA as a template to build proteins, not to copy DNA into RNA. Replication, copying of DNA into identical DNA: Replication is required before cell division and involves DNA dependent DNA polymerase, not RNA synthesis. Mutation, random change in nucleotide sequence: Mutation refers to changes in DNA sequence and can occur during replication or due to external factors, but it is not the normal process of RNA production. Recombination, exchange of genetic material between chromosomes: Recombination shuffles genetic material but does not describe the copying of DNA into RNA.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students mix up the terms transcription and translation because they sound similar and both are part of gene expression. A useful memory trick is to associate “script” in transcription with “writing RNA from DNA” and “translate” with converting one language (nucleotide sequence) into another (amino acid sequence). Another pitfall is thinking that replication means any copying process. However, in molecular biology, replication specifically refers to DNA copying itself, while transcription refers to DNA to RNA.

Final Answer:
Thus, the process of copying genetic information from DNA into RNA is called Transcription, synthesis of RNA using DNA template.