Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: transcription, RNA polymerase
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests a core piece of the central dogma of molecular biology: how information flows from DNA to RNA. It asks you to correctly name the process that uses DNA as a template to make RNA and to identify the enzyme that performs this task.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Information typically moves DNA → RNA → protein. The step DNA → RNA is called transcription. The enzyme that catalyzes transcription is RNA polymerase, which binds to promoters, unwinds a short region of DNA, and polymerizes ribonucleotides into an RNA chain using the DNA template strand for base pairing.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the process that makes RNA from DNA: transcription.Identify the enzyme that synthesizes RNA: RNA polymerase.Match to the option that pairs both correctly.Select: transcription, RNA polymerase.
Verification / Alternative check:
Replication uses DNA polymerase and produces DNA from DNA. Translation uses ribosomes to build polypeptides from mRNA; there is no “translation polymerase.” Thus the only accurate pairing is transcription with RNA polymerase.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing replication with transcription or assuming all polymerases make all nucleic acids. Each polymerase has specificity.
Final Answer:
transcription, RNA polymerase
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