Which of the following statements about RNA polymerase is false?
A) It synthesizes mRNA in a 5´-to-3´ direction, reading the DNA strand 3´ to 5´.
B) It synthesizes mRNA in a 3´-to-5´ direction, reading the DNA strand 5´ to 3´.
C) It binds at the promoter and unwinds the DNA.
D) It does not require a primer to initiate transcription.
E) It uses only one strand of DNA as a template for synthesizing RNA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA in a 5´-to-3´ direction, reading the DNA strand 3´ to 5´. Choice A is true. RNA polymerase also binds at the promoter and unwinds the DNA (choice C) and does not require a primer to initiate transcription (choice D). RNA polymerase uses only one strand of DNA as a template for synthesizing RNA (choice E). However, choice B is false as RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA in a 5´-to-3´ direction, not 3´-to-5´.

Which of the Following Statements About RNA Polymerase Is False