Question

Question 6:

In the process of transcription, one of the DNA strands used is known as the template strand. The other, nontemplate strand is often referred to as the coding strand. Why do each of these names make sense? (i.e. What is the template strand a template for? What does the coding strand code for?) Lastly, how does this situation compare to the process of DNA replication? (i.e. What do we call the two strands in that case?)

Answer 1

The strand of DNA from which the mRNA is synthesized is known as the template strand or anti-sense strand.This strand is in the 3' to 5'direction.This strand provides the template for RNA synthesis.
The strand of DNA which contains the base sequence which corresponds to the sequence of bases in the RNA transcript where only thymine is substituted with uracil.This strand runs in the 5'to 3'direction is known as the sense strand.The information is same as in the coding strand of DNA and RNA transcript(only U in place of T).

In DNA replication,there are two DNA strands and both the strands serve as the templates for the replication.The parent strand known the leading strand is replicated in the 3' to 5' direction and it is a continuous process.The other parent strand known as the lagging strand is replicated in the 5' to 5' direction and it is not a continuous process and takes place in smaller fragments.