Answer: Template strand.
- A Coding strand
- B Template strand
- C Leading strand
- D Sense strand
Correct answer: B. Template strand
Explanation: Only the template strand is used by RNA polymerase to synthesise a complementary RNA transcript.
Helicase unwinds the double helix at the replication fork; one new strand (leading) is synthesised continuously toward the fork, while the other (lagging) must be made in short, separate Okazaki fragments because DNA polymerase only adds nucleotides 5'→3'.
Concept context
DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, the genetic code, and gene regulation (lac operon). The single most important chapter for NEET molecular biology.