Question

Given below are two statements:
• [Statement (I):] Transcription is the process in which a gene's DNA sequence is transcribed to make an RNA molecule. 
• [Statement (II):] For transcription, RNA polymerase binds to the promoter situated upstream of the gene to be transcribed. In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below. 
 

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

To remember directional terms in molecular biology:
- Upstream: Toward the 5' end of the coding strand (before the transcription start site, where promoters are located).
- Downstream: Toward the 3' end of the coding strand (the direction in which transcription proceeds).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Gene expression occurs in two main steps: transcription and translation.
During transcription, a specific segment of genomic DNA is copied into RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
- Statement (I) is correct: Transcription is the biochemical process where genetic information in DNA is transcribed into a complementary RNA molecule.
This RNA can be messenger RNA (mRNA), which is later translated into a protein, or functional non-coding RNA (like tRNA or rRNA).
During this process, RNA polymerase synthesizes an RNA strand complementary to the DNA template strand.
- Statement (II) is correct: To initiate transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase must locate and bind to a specific DNA sequence called a promoter.
Promoters are located upstream (in the 5' direction) of the transcription start site.
These sequences contain consensus motifs (such as the TATA box in eukaryotes or Pribnow box in prokaryotes) that recruit RNA polymerase and align it to begin transcription.
Therefore, both statements are correct.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct, matching Option (A).