Question

How many DNA strands serve as the template strand during transcription?

Options

• It varies depending on the gene

• Neither strand

• One strand

• Both strands simultaneously

Answer 1

Only one DNA strand acts as the template strand (transcribing strand) during transcription. The other strand is called the coding strand or non-transcribing strand. Using only one strand ensures that a single, specific mRNA is produced rather than multiple RNAs or problematic double-stranded RNA.