Which statement best describes transcription?

• A. Synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.
• B. Synthesis of DNA from RNA.
• C. Translation of RNA into protein.
• D. Transport of RNA out of the nucleus.

Answer: (A)

Transcription is the process of making RNA from a DNA template. During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to a DNA region called a promoter, separates the DNA strands, and uses one strand as a template to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule. This is the first step of gene expression, and it produces RNA such as mRNA, rRNA, or tRNA that will later be used in protein synthesis or other cellular roles. The statement describes this correctly because it matches the definition of transcription: RNA is built from DNA, not DNA from RNA, and it’s different from translation (which makes protein from RNA) or from RNA transport (which happens after transcription).