DNA-dependent RNA polymerase catalyzes transcription on one strand of the DNA which is called the `:`

Options

A. template strand
B. coding strand in the 5'-3' direction
C. alpha strand
D. antistrand

Answer

To answer the question "DNA-dependent RNA polymerase catalyzes transcription on one strand of the DNA which is called the:", we need to understand the roles of the different strands of DNA during transcription. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of DNA
DNA is composed of two strands that run in opposite directions. These strands are known as the template strand and the coding strand.

**Hint:** Remember that DNA has a double-helix structure with two complementary strands.

### Step 2: Identify the Function of RNA Polymerase
DNA-dependent RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. It reads one of the DNA strands to create a complementary RNA strand.

**Hint:** Think about which strand the RNA polymerase uses to create mRNA.

### Step 3: Define the Template Strand
The strand of DNA that RNA polymerase uses as a template for RNA synthesis is called the template strand. This strand is also referred to as the anti-sense strand or anti-coding strand because it is complementary to the mRNA that is produced.

**Hint:** The template strand is the one that is read by RNA polymerase.

### Step 4: Identify the Coding Strand
The other strand, which is not used as a template for RNA synthesis, is known as the coding strand or sense strand. This strand has the same sequence as the mRNA (except that thymine (T) is replaced by uracil (U) in RNA).

**Hint:** The coding strand has a sequence that matches the mRNA produced.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the above understanding, the correct answer to the question is that DNA-dependent RNA polymerase catalyzes transcription on the template strand.

**Final Answer:** Template strand