What happens to DNA after the RNA is synthesized during transcription?

What happens to DNA after the RNA is synthesized during transcription?

• A. Renaturation of copied DNA
• B. Continued unwinding
• C. DNA Degradation
• D. No change

Answer: (A)

Renaturation of the copied DNA is what happens. During transcription, the DNA ahead of the RNA polymerase is temporarily unwound to expose the template strand. Once the RNA transcript is completed and the polymerase moves on or terminates, the unwound region behind it rewinds and the DNA double helix re-forms. This re-annealing restores the original DNA structure. The DNA isn’t degraded, and the helix doesn’t remain perpetually open, so the other options don’t fit.

Renaturation of the copied DNA is what happens. During transcription, the DNA ahead of the RNA polymerase is temporarily unwound to expose the template strand. Once the RNA transcript is completed and the polymerase moves on or terminates, the unwound region behind it rewinds and the DNA double helix re-forms. This re-annealing restores the original DNA structure. The DNA isn’t degraded, and the helix doesn’t remain perpetually open, so the other options don’t fit.