Question

What is the direction of RNA synthesis during bacterial transcription?

Options

• Direction depends on the gene

• 3' → 5' direction

• 5' → 3' direction

• Bidirectional from promoter

Answer 1

New RNA is synthesized in the 5' → 3' direction during bacterial transcription. This is the same direction as DNA synthesis. The 5' end of the RNA is synthesized first, and synthesis proceeds toward the 3' end. This occurs in the opposite direction to the movement of RNA polymerase along the template strand.