Question

The first step in the process of gene expression is transcription. What is the product of transcription during gene expression?

Answer 1

The product of transcription during gene expression is a primary RNA transcript, which is usually then modified to become messenger RNA (mRNA).

Explanation:

The product of transcription during gene expression is a primary RNA transcript (also called precursor mRNA or pre-mRNA), which is usually then modified to become messenger RNA (mRNA).

In nucleated cells (eukaryotes), after the RNA polymerase is done transcribing the DNA template into a primary RNA transcript, a 5 prime cap is added and polyadenylation occurs on the 3 prime end. Introns may also be removed by splicing. Once these processes are complete, the newly created mRNA may leave the cell nucleus to be translated by ribosomes into a polypeptide.

In non-nucleated cells (prokaryotes), the primary RNA transcript does not need further modification to be called mRNA. Because there is no separation of transcription and translation by a nuclear membrane, the transcription and translation processes of gene expression can occur simultaneously.