What is transcription?

Protein synthesis is the production of new proteins. This happens in two stages, transcription and translation
Transcription - forming mRNA from DNA
1) The DNA section to be copied (gene) is unwound by helicase, which breaks the hydrogen bonds between the complimentary strands. 2) RNA polymerase enzyme attaches to the strand just before the section to be copied3) As RNA polymerase moves along the DNA, free RNA nucleotides form hydrogen bonds with the exposed DNA strand nucleotides. This happens by complementary base pairing (A to T, U to A, G to C and C to G- as T is replaced by U in RNA). This new strand is messenger RNA (mRNA) and is a complementary copy of the DNA strand4) The mRNA now exits the nucleus and travels to a ribosome.

RH
Answered by Rebecca H. Biology tutor

12180 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the three stages of drug testing.


Explain the processes involved in eutrophication


How is the small intestine adapted for efficient absorption?


Emphysema is a disease affecting the lungs. People with emphysema are often short of breath and find exercise difficult. Explain what happens to the lungs in this disease to cause the symptoms mentioned.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning