Humber Admissions Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Humber Admission Test with our engaging quiz. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations. Get exam-ready with confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the primary function of the transcription process in genetics?

To form DNA
To produce RNA from DNA
To replicate DNA
To decode RNA

The correct answer is: To produce RNA from DNA

The primary function of the transcription process in genetics is to produce RNA from DNA. This is a crucial step in the flow of genetic information within a cell. During transcription, an enzyme called RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of the DNA and synthesizes a single strand of messenger RNA (mRNA) based on the sequence of nucleotides in the DNA template. This mRNA then carries the genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis in the process known as translation. Transcription is essential because it acts as the intermediary that converts the genetic code contained within DNA into a format that can be translated into proteins, which perform numerous essential functions within living organisms. The significance of this process lays the foundation for gene expression and regulation, making it vital for cellular function and development.