# Explain how the process of transcription produces a molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA) from a gene, and state one way in which mRNA differs in structure from DNA.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.5 Nucleic Acids · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. DNA double helix / two strands unzip / separate (at the gene)
2. Free RNA nucleotides are attracted to / align with the template / complementary strand of DNA
3. Complementary base pairing occurs (between RNA nucleotides and the DNA template strand)
4. RNA nucleotides are joined together to form a single-stranded mRNA molecule
5. mRNA is single-stranded whereas DNA is double-stranded / mRNA contains uracil (instead of thymine) / mRNA is shorter than a DNA molecule / mRNA contains ribose sugar whereas DNA contains deoxyribose

## Key terms

- [transcription](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/transcription)
- [messenger RNA (mRNA)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/messenger-rna-mrna)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-process-of-transcription-1886128c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.