Which term describes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template?

The synthesis of RNA from a DNA template is known as transcription. This process involves the enzyme RNA polymerase, which binds to the DNA at a specific region called the promoter. Once bound, RNA polymerase unwinds the DNA strands and begins synthesizing a single strand of RNA by complementary base pairing with the DNA template. This means that adenine from the DNA pairs with uracil in the RNA, while cytosine pairs with guanine.

Transcription is a key step in the flow of genetic information within a cell, allowing for the expression of genes into messenger RNA (mRNA), which can then be translated into proteins during the process of translation. Understanding transcription is essential, as it is fundamental to gene expression and regulation within biological systems.