Coding Strand

Definition

The coding strand, also known as the template strand or antisense strand, is the DNA sequence that serves as the template for RNA synthesis during the process of transcription. It is the strand of DNA that is read by the RNA polymerase enzyme to produce a complementary RNA molecule, which is then used as the blueprint for protein synthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The coding strand is the DNA template that is read by RNA polymerase during transcription to produce a complementary RNA molecule.
2. The coding strand is the antiparallel and complementary strand to the sense strand, which is the strand that matches the sequence of the resulting mRNA.
3. RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region on the coding strand and initiates transcription by synthesizing a complementary RNA molecule.
4. The coding strand contains the genetic information that is ultimately expressed as the amino acid sequence of a protein.
5. The coding strand is essential for the accurate and efficient transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA during gene expression.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the coding strand in the process of transcription.
  • The coding strand serves as the template for RNA synthesis during transcription. RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region on the coding strand and uses it as a guide to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule. The coding strand contains the genetic information that is ultimately expressed as the amino acid sequence of a protein. Without the coding strand, the transcription process would not be able to accurately transfer genetic information from DNA to RNA, which is a critical step in gene expression.
• Describe the relationship between the coding strand and the sense strand of DNA.
  • The coding strand and the sense strand of DNA are complementary and antiparallel to each other. The coding strand is the template that is read by RNA polymerase to produce a complementary RNA molecule, while the sense strand has the same sequence as the resulting mRNA, except that it uses the complementary base pairing (A-U, G-C). Understanding the relationship between these two strands is crucial for comprehending the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA during transcription.
• Analyze the importance of the coding strand in the overall process of gene expression.
  • The coding strand is a fundamental component of gene expression, as it serves as the essential template for the synthesis of RNA molecules during transcription. Without the coding strand, the genetic information stored in DNA would not be able to be accurately transferred to RNA, which is then used as the blueprint for protein synthesis. The coding strand is crucial for the faithful transmission of genetic information and the proper expression of genes, making it a critical element in the central dogma of molecular biology.

Related terms

Transcription:

The process of copying genetic information from DNA into a complementary RNA molecule, which is then used as a template for protein synthesis.

RNA Polymerase:

The enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA molecules by reading the coding strand of DNA and assembling a complementary RNA strand.

Sense Strand: The DNA strand that has the same sequence as the resulting mRNA, except that it uses the complementary base pairing (A-U, G-C).