**Core Concept:** Enzymes play a crucial role in various biological processes, including DNA replication. Double-stranded DNA replication involves a template RNA molecule. In eukaryotic cells, the enzyme responsible for this conversion is RNA polymerase, a critical enzyme in transcription.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** RNA polymerase is the correct answer because it is the enzyme responsible for converting a single-stranded RNA template molecule into a double-stranded DNA copy in the process of transcription. RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA complementary to the DNA template strand, and this RNA molecule serves as a template for DNA polymerase to synthesize the complementary DNA strand.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. DNA polymerase: This enzyme is responsible for DNA replication, not transcription. It synthesizes DNA complementary to the DNA template strand.
B. DNA polymerase: Similarly to option A, DNA polymerase is involved in DNA replication, not transcription. It synthesizes DNA complementary to the DNA template strand.
C. RNA polymerase II: Although RNA polymerase II is involved in transcription, it synthesizes RNA complementary to the DNA template strand. In this context, we need RNA polymerase I, which creates a DNA copy of the RNA template.
D. DNA polymerase III: Similar to options A and B, DNA polymerase III is involved in DNA replication, not transcription. It synthesizes DNA complementary to the DNA template strand.
**Clinical Pearl:** Understanding the distinction between DNA and RNA polymerases is crucial for grasping the cellular processes of transcription and replication. This knowledge is essential for medical students, doctors, and researchers alike, as it has direct implications for gene expression and genetic information processing in cells.
**Correct Answer:** C. RNA polymerase I
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.