Both coding and template strands are distinct strands of a DNA structure. They differ only by a few properties and functions.
The coding strand is the DNA strand whose base sequence is similar to its primary transcript [RNA]. This strand contains codons, while the non-coding strand contains anticodons.
The coding strand serves as a template for producing complementary RNA.
Template Strand
The term template strand refers to the DNA sequence that can duplicate itself during mRNA synthesis. The cell uses a non-coding/antisense DNA sequence as a template to produce mRNA.
Difference between Coding Strand and Template Strand
Coding Strand | Template Strand |
The coding strand determines the correct nucleotide sequence of mRNA. | The template strand acts as a base for mRNA transcription. |
It is also known as sense strand [plus strand] or coding strand. | It is the antisense strand [minus strand] or a non-coding strand. |
They do not take part in the transcription process. | Here, they take part in the transcription. They help in the formation of mRNA. |
The coding strand is directed in the 3’ to 5’ direction. | The template strand is directed in the 5’ to 3’ direction. |
The coding strand has a complementary nucleotide sequence. | The template strand does not have any complementary sequence. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Messenger RNA or mRNA is a single unit of an RNA sequence that is complementary to a DNA molecule. They act as messengers in carrying information from DNA to the cytoplasm. Thus, they serve as a template for protein synthesis. DNA makes its own copies and code for RNA by a process called transcription. Later, these RNA codes for proteins by the process of translation. The ribosomes produce proteins based on the information provided by the mRNA. The mRNA molecule translates to form an amino acid sequence, which acts as a building block for proteins. The interaction by which the mRNA codes for a specific protein is known as protein synthesis or
translation.What is mRNA?
What is a transcription process?
Extended Reading: Transcription of DNA What is
protein synthesis?
Also Read: Translation
The DNA contains the master plan for the creation of the proteins and other molecules and systems of the cell, but the carrying out of the plan involves transfer of the relevant information to RNA in a process called transcription. The RNA to which the information is transcribed is messenger RNA [mRNA].
The process associated with RNA polymerase is to unwind the DNA and build a strand of mRNA by placing on the growing mRNA molecule the base complementary to that on the template strand of the DNA. In the mRNA, Uracil is substituted for thymine as the base complementary to adenine. Since the other strand of the DNA has bases complementary to the template strand, the mRNA has the same sequence of bases at the upper strand of DNA shown above [with U substituted for T] , which is called the coding strand. According to Karp, the RNA polymerase is capable of adding 20 to 50 nucleotides per second to the growing mRNA chain. Electron microscope images suggest that there can be over a hundred RNA polymerases operating simultaneously.
A coding region of the DNA for a specific protein [a gene] contains the pattern for the creation of the protein. The coding region is preceded by a promotion region, and a transcription factor binds to that promotion region of the DNA. It recruits the necessary RNA polymerase to activate the copying of the pattern of the coding region over to RNA. The segment of DNA transcribed to the RNA contains some material that is not translated on both the beginning [5'] and end [3'] of the segment. It also typically has segments called introns that are not translated as well as segments called exons that are actually part of the pattern for the protein.
... a single strand of RNA is synthesized using a double stranded DNA molecule as a template.
The two strands of the DNA molecule are separated from one another, exposing the nitrogenous bases. Only one strand is actively used as a template in the transcription process, this is known as the sense strand, or template strand. The complementary DNA strand, the one that is not used, is called the nonsense or antisense strand.
The RNA sequence that is made is a direct copy of the nitrogenous bases in the sense strand. If an Guanine [G] base is part of the sequence on the sense DNA strand, then the RNA molecule has a Cytosine [C] base added to its sequence at that point. In the RNA molecule uracil [U] substitutes for Thymine [T]