How does a molecule of RNA polymerase "know" which of the two strands of DNA it should use as a template strand?
A) RNA polymerase recognizes the start codon.
B) RNA polymerase binds to the promoter in a specific orientation that determines which DNA strand it will be able to "read."
C) The ribosome binds to the promoter in a specific orientation that determines which DNA strand it will be able to "read."
D) RNA polymerase binds randomly to one strand or the other, so that roughly half of its attachments to DNA result in the production of the correct mRNA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

RNA polymerase binds to the promoter in a specific orientation that determines which DNA strand it will be able to "read." The promoter region contains a specific sequence of DNA nucleotides that signals to RNA polymerase where to bind and which strand to use as a template. This promoter sequence and orientation dictates which strand will be transcribed into RNA.

How Does a Molecule of RNA Polymerase "Know" Which of the Two