Question

Differentiate between the following:

DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	DNA polymerase	RNA polymerase
Main function	DNA polymerase synthesises a new DNA strand during DNA replication.	RNA polymerase synthesises an RNA strand during transcription.
Template	DNA polymerase uses a DNA strand as its template.	RNA polymerase uses a DNA strand as its template.
Building blocks	DNA polymerase joins deoxyribonucleotides to form DNA.	RNA polymerase joins ribonucleotides to form RNA.
Product	DNA polymerase produces a complementary DNA strand.	RNA polymerase produces an RNA molecule, such as mRNA, tRNA or rRNA.
Direction of synthesis	DNA polymerase synthesises the new strand in the 5′ to 3′ direction.	RNA polymerase synthesises RNA in the 5′ to 3′ direction.