[Campbell Biology P.392] Which of the following accurately describes the sequence of events ... | Practice Question

Which of the following accurately describes the sequence of events during the elongation phase of transcription as depicted in Figure 17.8?

  • A: RNA polymerase binds to the promoter, unwinds DNA, and initiates RNA synthesis.
  • B: The RNA transcript is released, and the polymerase detaches from the DNA.
  • C: The polymerase moves downstream, unwinding the DNA and elongating the RNA transcript in the 5'→3' direction.
  • D: DNA strands re-form a double helix before the RNA transcript is elongated.

Explanation

Figure 17.8, specifically step 2 "Elongation" , shows the polymerase moving downstream, unwinding the DNA in front of it and re-forming the double helix behind it, while elongating the RNA transcript from 5' to 3'.