Biology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Biology CLEP Test with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with explanations and hints to ensure a full understanding. Boost your exam readiness today!

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What happens first in the process of transcription?

The mRNA is produced
The DNA unwinds
The RNA polymerase binds
The cells divide

The correct answer is: The DNA unwinds

Transcription is the process by which an mRNA molecule is produced from a DNA template. This process occurs in the nucleus of a cell. Before transcription can begin, the DNA must first unwind and unzip in the area where the genetic information will be transcribed. The other options, while important processes in cellular function, do not occur before transcription and do not relate to the initial steps of this specific process. Option A is incorrect because mRNA production is the result of transcription, not the first step in the process. Option C is incorrect because RNA polymerase binds to the DNA after it has unwound (step A). Option D is incorrect because cell division does not occur in the nucleus and is not directly related to transcription.