Transcription is how our cells start making proteins. It happens in a few simple steps:
DNA Unwinding: First, an enzyme called RNA polymerase attaches to a specific spot on the DNA. This spot is called a promoter. The enzyme then unwinds a small section of the DNA, about 10 to 20 base pairs.
RNA Synthesis: Next, RNA polymerase begins to create messenger RNA (mRNA). It does this by adding RNA pieces that match the DNA template. This happens pretty quickly, at around 40 pieces every second!
Completion: Finally, when RNA polymerase gets to a stop signal called a terminator sequence, the process ends. This creates a pre-mRNA molecule. This pre-mRNA needs to be processed before it is ready for translation. This final product is called mature mRNA.
This whole process is super important because it helps express genes. In fact, roughly 10% of our DNA is actively made into RNA at any given time.
Transcription is how our cells start making proteins. It happens in a few simple steps:
DNA Unwinding: First, an enzyme called RNA polymerase attaches to a specific spot on the DNA. This spot is called a promoter. The enzyme then unwinds a small section of the DNA, about 10 to 20 base pairs.
RNA Synthesis: Next, RNA polymerase begins to create messenger RNA (mRNA). It does this by adding RNA pieces that match the DNA template. This happens pretty quickly, at around 40 pieces every second!
Completion: Finally, when RNA polymerase gets to a stop signal called a terminator sequence, the process ends. This creates a pre-mRNA molecule. This pre-mRNA needs to be processed before it is ready for translation. This final product is called mature mRNA.
This whole process is super important because it helps express genes. In fact, roughly 10% of our DNA is actively made into RNA at any given time.