Which enzyme is primarily responsible for synthesizing RNA?

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Study for the UCF PCB3063 Genetics Final Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

RNA polymerase is the enzyme primarily responsible for synthesizing RNA. It does this by catalyzing the transcription process, where it binds to a promoter region on the DNA and synthesizes a single strand of RNA complementary to the DNA template. This process is vital for the expression of genes, as RNA serves as the template for protein synthesis during translation.

In eukaryotic cells, RNA polymerase can be classified into three main types, each responsible for synthesizing different types of RNA: RNA polymerase I synthesizes ribosomal RNA (rRNA), RNA polymerase II synthesizes messenger RNA (mRNA) and some small nuclear RNAs (snRNA), and RNA polymerase III is responsible for synthesizing transfer RNA (tRNA) and other small RNAs. The precise action of RNA polymerase is crucial for the accurate transcription of genetic information, making it essential for cell function and development.

Other enzymes, such as DNA polymerase, ligase, and helicase, play different roles in DNA replication and repair, but they do not synthesize RNA. DNA polymerase is involved in synthesizing DNA from deoxyribonucleotides during DNA replication. Ligase connects fragments of DNA together, particularly during replication and repair. Helic