1. Which statement is not true for DNA transcription?
(1 ) Template strand & m-RNA have complementary sequences
(2) Template strand is used as coding strand
(3) Transcription is in 5’à3’ direction
(4) Template strand is termed as sense strand.

Which Statement Is NOT True for DNA Transcription? | CSIR NET Life Science MCQ Explained

DNA transcription is a fundamental concept in molecular biology and frequently appears in competitive exams like CSIR NET Life Science. Here’s a commonly asked MCQ that tests your understanding of transcription strands and directionality.

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🧠 Question:

Which statement is NOT true for DNA transcription?

1. Template strand and mRNA have complementary sequences

2. Template strand is used as coding strand

3. Transcription occurs in the 5’ to 3’ direction

4. Template strand is termed as sense strand

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Correct Answer: (4) Template strand is termed as sense strand

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Explanation:

Let’s break down each option to understand why statement (4) is incorrect.

Option 1: Template strand and mRNA have complementary sequences — TRUE

During transcription, RNA polymerase reads the template strand, and synthesizes mRNA with a complementary nucleotide sequence, replacing thymine (T) with uracil (U).

Option 2: Template strand is used as coding strand — FALSE terminology, but actually the statement is incorrect.

Here’s the catch:

• The template strand is used to synthesize RNA.

• The coding strand is not used in transcription but has the same sequence as mRNA, except it contains T instead of U.

So this statement is factually wrong but not the one marked incorrect in the MCQ above — probably due to terminological confusion. However, in most answer keys, statement (4) is treated as more definitively incorrect.

Option 3: Transcription is in the 5’ → 3’ direction — TRUE

• RNA synthesis always occurs in the 5’ to 3’ direction, adding new nucleotides to the 3’ OH group.

Option 4: Template strand is termed as sense strand — NOT TRUE

This is the incorrect statement.

• The template strand is actually called the antisense strand.

• The coding strand is the sense strand because it shares the same sequence as mRNA (except T/U).

Key Concepts for CSIR NET:

• Template Strand = Antisense Strand → Used by RNA polymerase

• Coding Strand = Sense Strand → Not transcribed but matches mRNA

• Transcription is 5’ → 3’

• mRNA is complementary to the template strand

Why This Matters in CSIR NET Life Science Exam

Conceptual MCQs like this test terminology precision — a key aspect of success in Part B and Part C of the CSIR NET exam. Many aspirants confuse “sense” and “template” strands, leading to avoidable mistakes.

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