Sense strand

Definition

The sense strand, also known as the coding strand, is the DNA strand that carries the genetic code for a protein. It is identical in sequence to the mRNA except for thymine (T) in place of uracil (U).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sense strand runs in a 5' to 3' direction.
2. It serves as a template for mRNA synthesis during transcription.
3. The complementary strand to the sense strand is called the antisense or template strand.
4. In RNA transcription, only one of the two DNA strands serves as a template at any given time.
5. The mRNA sequence synthesized from the antisense strand will be complementary to it and identical to the sense strand.

Review Questions

• What direction does the sense strand run?
• How does the sequence of mRNA compare to that of the sense strand?
• Which DNA strand acts as a template during transcription?

Related terms

Antisense Strand: The DNA strand that serves as a template for mRNA synthesis.

mRNA (messenger RNA): The RNA molecule transcribed from DNA that carries genetic information from the nucleus to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Transcription: The process by which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template.