VCE Biology — Unit 3 AOS 1
Transcription — Flashcards & Quiz
Transcription is the first stage of gene expression and a high-frequency VCE Biology Unit 3 topic. You need to describe how RNA polymerase binds at a promoter, reads the template strand 3′→5′, and synthesises pre-mRNA 5′→3′ using complementary base pairing with U replacing T. VCAA loves testing the template-versus-coding-strand distinction, and the steps of pre-mRNA processing — capping, splicing, polyadenylation. Practise reading short DNA sequences and predicting the mRNA produced; that pattern recognises full marks.
Sample Flashcards
Q1: Describe the process of transcription.
Transcription copies DNA into mRNA in the nucleus. Steps: 1) RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region on the template (antisense) strand. 2) RNA polymerase reads the template strand 3′→5′ and synthesises mRNA 5′→3′, using complementary RNA bases (U pairs with A). 3) The mRNA strand grows until RNA polymerase reaches a terminator sequence. 4) Pre-mRNA undergoes processing before leaving the nucleus.
Sample Quiz Questions
Q1: RNA polymerase reads the template strand in the 3′ to 5′ direction during transcription.
Answer: TRUE
RNA polymerase reads the template (antisense) strand 3′→5′ and synthesises the mRNA strand in the 5′→3′ direction, following complementary base pairing rules.
Related Concepts
Last updated: March 2026 · 1 flashcards · 1 quiz questions