Template strand

Template Strand

The Template Strand is a term used in molecular biology to refer to the strand of DNA that is used as a template by RNA polymerase for transcription. The other DNA strand is referred to as the coding strand. The template strand is also known as the antisense strand, noncoding strand, or the minus (-) strand, while the coding strand is also known as the sense strand, coding strand, or the plus (+) strand.

Overview

During the process of transcription, the RNA polymerase binds to the DNA strand and moves along it, synthesizing an RNA molecule that is complementary to the DNA strand. The RNA molecule that is produced is a mirror image of the coding strand and identical to the template strand, with the exception that thymine (T) in the DNA is replaced by uracil (U) in the RNA.

Role in Transcription

The template strand plays a crucial role in the process of transcription. It provides the necessary sequence of nucleotides for the synthesis of the RNA molecule. The RNA polymerase reads the template strand in the 3' to 5' direction and synthesizes the RNA molecule in the 5' to 3' direction.

Importance in Genetics

The template strand is of significant importance in genetics as it carries the genetic information that is transcribed into RNA. This RNA is then translated into proteins, which carry out various functions in the body. Any changes or mutations in the template strand can lead to changes in the RNA and subsequently the protein, potentially leading to genetic disorders.

See Also

• DNA
• RNA
• Transcription (genetics)
• RNA polymerase
• Coding Strand

References

Template strand Resources
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