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What is the key structural distinction between the coding strand and the template strand of a gene during transcription?

  • A The coding strand has the same base sequence as the mRNA (with T instead of U) and is not transcribed; the template strand is read by RNA polymerase
  • B The template strand is understood to usually contain more guanine bases overall than the corresponding coding strand according to conventional understanding
  • C Mainly the coding strand of a gene is understood to be found and present specifically within eukaryotic genomes in routine practice overall in most cases
  • D The coding strand of a gene is understood to be synthesised first chemically, before the template strand forms under typical conditions according to standard textbooks

Correct answer: A. The coding strand has the same base sequence as the mRNA (with T instead of U) and is not transcribed; the template strand is read by RNA polymerase

Explanation: The coding strand has a sequence equivalent to the mRNA (except T replaced by U) but is not directly copied; RNA polymerase reads the complementary template strand to synthesise the mRNA.

Concept context

DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, the genetic code, and gene regulation (lac operon). The single most important chapter for NEET molecular biology.

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