Why is RNA synthesis called transcription?

Answer 1

"Transcription" is generally taking something and rewriting it in the same language -- like if you were to take your notes from a class and rewrite them for a friend who was sick that day.

The key for it's application to RNA synthesis is that it's in the same language: NUCLEIC acids. RNA is just a copy of the original DNA "notes," so the process is called transcription.

Then you look at the process of "translation," where the mRNA is used to create the actual proteins. Proteins aren't made of nucleic acids. They're made of AMINO acids, which is a different "language." Therefore, the process of taking the information from the mRNA's nucleic acids and turning it into a protien made from amino acids is called "translation."

If you want more information on the process, you can go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcription_%28genetics%29

I hope this has been helpful.

Answer 2

Transcribing is usually taking spoken language and writing it down in that same language, while translation is going from one language to another. Going from DNA to RNA is more like the former than the latter; that's why that stage is called transcription and going from RNA to protein is called translation - different language.

Answer 3

Because the a copy or "transcript" of the DNA is made, replacing Thymine with Uracil and otherwise the opposite of the DNA strand A-U C-G Adenine pairs with Uracil, Cytozine with Guanine.

Answer 4

because like dna, it replicates.