Transcription

Transcription is the process by which DNA is turned into RNA. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contains all the genetic blue prints needed by and organism. These blueprints are not directly turned into protein but instead are first turned into ribonucleic acid (RNA) through a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, DNA is contained in the nucleus. Transcribed RNA, on the other hand, can leave the nucleus and be further processed into proteins through translation (See the "Translation" tab). 


Though an entire copy of genomic DNA is present in each cell, there is no need for all the genes in the DNA to be expressed. Genes are the directions in DNA that provide for the creation for a single protein or polypeptide. You can imagine that the cells in you toes do not need to express the same genes as the cells in your eyes. Instead of expressing all genes at a given time, transcription of DNA into RNA is regulated. This process results in transcription of only the necessary RNAs.


For more information on transcription, go to:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)