Template Strand

Definition

The template strand, also known as the coding strand or sense strand, is the DNA strand that serves as the template for the synthesis of RNA during the process of transcription. It provides the genetic information necessary for the cell to produce the corresponding RNA molecule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The template strand is read in the 3' to 5' direction during transcription, and RNA polymerase synthesizes the complementary RNA molecule in the 5' to 3' direction.
2. The template strand is the strand that is used as a template for the synthesis of the corresponding RNA molecule, ensuring that the genetic information is accurately transferred.
3. The template strand is essential for the proper functioning of the genetic code, as it ensures that the correct amino acid sequence is produced during translation.
4. The template strand is crucial for the regulation of gene expression, as it determines which genes are transcribed and when they are expressed.
5. The template strand is protected from damage and mutations, as it is the strand that is ultimately used to produce the functional RNA and protein products.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the template strand in the process of DNA replication.
  • During DNA replication, the template strand serves as the reference for the synthesis of the new complementary strand. The DNA polymerase enzyme reads the template strand in the 3' to 5' direction and uses it to direct the synthesis of the new strand in the 5' to 3' direction. This ensures that the genetic information is accurately replicated and passed on to the daughter cells.
• Describe the relationship between the template strand and the coding strand in the context of RNA transcription.
  • The template strand is the DNA strand that is used as a template for the synthesis of the corresponding RNA molecule during transcription. The template strand provides the genetic information that is transcribed into the RNA, while the coding strand (also known as the sense strand) has the same sequence as the resulting RNA, except that it uses the complementary nucleotides (A-U, C-G). The template strand is read in the 3' to 5' direction, and RNA polymerase synthesizes the complementary RNA molecule in the 5' to 3' direction.
• Analyze the significance of the template strand in the overall function of genetic material.
  • The template strand is essential for the proper functioning of the genetic code, as it ensures that the correct genetic information is transcribed and ultimately translated into functional proteins. Without the template strand, the cell would not be able to accurately replicate its DNA or produce the necessary RNA and protein products. The template strand is also crucial for the regulation of gene expression, as it determines which genes are transcribed and when they are expressed. Furthermore, the template strand is protected from damage and mutations, ensuring the stability and integrity of the genetic material.

Related terms

Coding Strand:

The DNA strand that contains the genetic information that is transcribed into RNA and ultimately translated into proteins.

Sense Strand: The DNA strand that has the same sequence as the resulting RNA molecule, except that it uses the complementary nucleotides (A-T, C-G).

Antisense Strand: The DNA strand that is complementary to the template (coding) strand and serves as the reference for the synthesis of the RNA molecule.