Question

Compare DNA replication and transcription:

A) Strands, amount replicated, number of replications, machinery needed
B) Strands, direction of synthesis, new strand characteristics, replication frequency
C) Strands, machinery needed, replication frequency, new strand characteristics
D) Strands, direction of synthesis, amount replicated, replication frequency

Answer 1

DNA replication and transcription differ in the number of strands copied, the type of nucleotides used, and the number of times the processes occur. Replication results in two identical DNA strands for cell division, while transcription creates mRNA for protein synthesis. Both proceed in the 5' to 3' direction and require specific enzymes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparing DNA replication and transcription with respect to certain characteristics:

• Strands: DNA replication involves the unwinding of two DNA strands and the synthesis of two new daughter strands, each paired with an original strand, leading to two identical DNA molecules. On the other hand, transcription involves using one of the DNA strands as a template to synthesize a single RNA strand.
• Direction of synthesis: Both processes synthesize new strands in the 5' to 3' direction. However, only replication duplicates the entire genome, while transcription copies only specific genes.
• New strand characteristics: In DNA replication, new strands contain deoxyribose sugar and the base thymine, forming DNA. In transcription, the new RNA strand contains ribose sugar and the base uracil in place of thymine.
• Replication frequency: Replication occurs once per cell cycle, ensuring each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the organism's genome. Transcription can occur multiple times for a single gene, depending on the cell's needs for specific proteins.
• Machinery needed: Both processes involve complex enzymes, with DNA polymerase being central to replication and RNA polymerase to transcription.