Outline the process of eukaryotic transcription

DNA is copied into RNA in a process called genetic transcription. To transcribe means to “put down something in writing.” The information in DNA is transcribed—or rewritten—into a smaller version (RNA) that can be used by the cell.

What You’ll Learn to Do

• Understand the basic steps in the transcription of DNA into RNA
• Describe the role of RNA polymerase
• Understand the difference between pre-mRNA and mRNA
• Describe RNA post-transcriptional modification and its purpose

Learning Activities

The learning activities for this section include the following:

• Steps of Genetic Transcription
• RNA Polymerase
• pre-RNA and mRNA
• RNA Post-Translational Modification
• Self Check: Transcription