Sense strand

Sense strand

The sense strand, also known as the coding strand, is one of the two strands of DNA that contains the genetic code for producing proteins. The sense strand runs in the 5' to 3' direction and has the same sequence as the messenger RNA (mRNA), which is transcribed from the antisense strand (or template strand), except that in RNA, uracil (U) replaces thymine (T).

Structure and Function

The sense strand is crucial in the process of transcription, where the RNA polymerase enzyme reads the antisense strand to synthesize a complementary mRNA molecule. This mRNA then undergoes translation to form a specific protein.

Transcription Process

During transcription, the antisense strand serves as the template for RNA polymerase to assemble a complementary strand of mRNA. The mRNA sequence is identical to the sense strand, except for the substitution of uracil for thymine. This mRNA then exits the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm where it is translated by ribosomes into a protein.

Importance in Genetics

The sense strand is essential for understanding the genetic code and the synthesis of proteins. Mutations in the sense strand can lead to changes in the mRNA and, consequently, the protein product, which can result in various genetic disorders.

Related Concepts

• Antisense strand
• Transcription (genetics)
• Translation (biology)
• RNA polymerase
• Messenger RNA
• Genetic code
• Protein synthesis

See Also

• DNA replication
• Gene expression
• Central dogma of molecular biology
• Nucleotide
• Codon