What is transcription?

Transcription is the process of sections of DNA being converted into mRNA (messenger RNA) that occurs in the nucleus of a cell. DNA is made up of a template strand and a coding strand which are complementary to each other (G-C, A-T). To begin transcription, the enzyme RNA Polymerase will bind to a promoter region on the DNA- a specific code that indicates "this is where transcription should start". RNA polymerase causes the DNA helix structure to unwind and the hydrogen bonds between opposite bases to break, separating the template and coding strands.

Free RNA nucleotides (G, C, A and U) will then line up against the template strand in complemetary pairs (U acts as a substitute for T). A phosphate backbone will form between lined up RNA nucleotides to hold them together. The RNA polymerase will eventually reach a terminator sequence- a specific code that indicates "this is where transcription should stop". The newly formed mRNA sequence will detach from the DNA template strand and leave the nucleus through a nuclear pore.