Practice question

Nomenclature for DNA strands relative to transcription distinguishes informational equivalence. Template strand directly read by polymerase and complementary to RNA. Opposite strand contains sequence identical to RNA product except thymine replaces uracil, hence called coding, sense, or non-template strand. When gene sequence deposited in databases, coding strand displayed in 5' to 3' orientation matching mRNA for convenience interpreting codons. This strand does not contact catalytic center. Recognition that RNA equals coding sequence simplifies annotation of promoters, open reading frames, and translation start sites in genome analysis.