What is transcription in genetics?

Transcription in genetics refers to the process by which the information encoded in a specific segment of DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). This step is crucial for gene expression as it allows the genetic instructions stored in DNA to be translated into proteins, which are vital for cellular function.

During transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase binds to the DNA at the promoter region of a gene and unwinds the DNA strands. This creates a template from which a complementary strand of mRNA is synthesized. The mRNA strand is formed by matching RNA nucleotides with their corresponding DNA bases, substituting uracil for thymine. Once transcription is complete, the mRNA molecule undergoes processing, including splicing and the addition of a poly-A tail, before it exits the nucleus to be translated into a protein in the cytoplasm.

The other options describe different biological processes—conversion of RNA to DNA refers to reverse transcription, which is specific to certain viruses; protein synthesis from amino acids occurs during translation; and duplication of genetic material before cell division is known as DNA replication. Each of these processes plays a vital role in genetics but is distinct from transcription.