Humber Admissions Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide for Humber College Admissions

The primary function of the transcription process in genetics is to produce RNA from DNA. This is a crucial step in the flow of genetic information within a cell. During transcription, an enzyme called RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of the DNA and synthesizes a single strand of messenger RNA (mRNA) based on the sequence of nucleotides in the DNA template. This mRNA then carries the genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis in the process known as translation.

Transcription is essential because it acts as the intermediary that converts the genetic code contained within DNA into a format that can be translated into proteins, which perform numerous essential functions within living organisms. The significance of this process lays the foundation for gene expression and regulation, making it vital for cellular function and development.