Transcription of a Gene

Definition

Transcription of a gene is the process by which the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA (messenger RNA). This mRNA then serves as a template for protein synthesis.

Related terms

Promoter:

A specific DNA sequence that indicates where RNA polymerase should bind and start transcription.

RNA Polymerase:

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Introns and Exons:

Introns are non-coding sequences within genes that get removed during RNA processing, while exons are coding sequences that remain in the final mRNA product.