RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA, using the antisense strand of the DNA as template by adding complementary RNA nucleotides to the 3′ end of the growing strand. RNA polymerase binds to DNA at a sequence called a promoter during the initiation of transcription. ... Eukaryotes have three different RNA polymerases.

How does RNA polymerase make mRNA?

During transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase (green) uses DNA as a template to produce a pre-mRNA transcript (pink). The pre-mRNA is processed to form a mature mRNA molecule that can be translated to build the protein molecule (polypeptide) encoded by the original gene.

How does RNA polymerase unwind DNA?

Physical experiments have confirmed that RNA polymerase makes contact with these two regions when binding to the DNA. The enzyme then unwinds DNA and begins the synthesis of an RNA molecule. ... Then, the enzyme binds more tightly, unwinding bases near the −10 region.