Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding transcription of a gene?

A) RNA polymerase first binds to the promoter sequence of a gene

B) The terminator sequence of a gene signals for the end of transcription.

C) RNA polymerase reads the template DNA strand from 5' to 3'

D) The RNA strand separates from the DNA template strand as it is being synthesized.

E) Only one of the DNA strands serves as the template strand during transcription

C) RNA polymerase reads the template DNA strand from 5' to 3'

Explanation:

The directions of movement of RNA polymerase enzyme along the template DNA and synthesis of RNA strand are antiparallel to each other.

RNA polymerase binds to the promoter and moves down the template strand in 3' to 5' direction. It reads the nucleotide sequence of the template strand in 3' to 5' direction and adds new ribonucleotides to the 3'-OH end of the RNA strand. Hence, the template DNA is read by RNA polymerase in 3' to 5' direction so as to synthesize the new RNA strand in 5' to 3' direction.