Explain how transcription of genes occurs

Transcription occurs in the nucleus of the cell.The enzyme DNA helicase catalyses the 'unzipping' or splitting of the two DNA chains in the region of the gene by catalysing the breaking of the hydrogen bonds holding the chains together.RNA polymerase catalyses complementary mRNA nucleotides to form a complementary strand with the exposed bases. mRNA bases are ACGU rather than ACGT as in DNA.The mRNA then leaves the nucleus to carry the information of how to make the protein coded by the gene to the ribosomes. Each gene codes for the formation of one protein.The mRNA is a very small molecule and so can pass through the nuclear pore into the cytoplasm to travel to the ribosomes.

Answered by Vanessa T. Biology tutor

2073 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

If a person drinks a lot of water, the water content of their blood will increase. Describe how the water content of their blood is regulated.


Why/how do plants both respire and photosynthesise?


Describe the meaning of the terms: gene, genetic locus, alleles, phenotype and genotype


In fruit flies, the allele (n) for a black body is recessive to the allele (N) for grey body. What would the next generation look like with two heterozygous parents.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences