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to transcribe

to transcribe

2 6.7
To make RNA from DNA
  • verb
  • /trænˈskraɪb/
  • Specialized
translation icon : transcribir
  • In molecular biology, scientists transcribe specific sections of DNA to create RNA that carries instructions for protein synthesis.
  • transcribed into RNA
  • transcribed genes
  • transcribed from DNA

So the first step is you transcribe the message from the DNA to the RNA.

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Examples

  • And DNA is transcribed into RNA and then translated into proteins.

    Academic text (2009)
  • So the first step is you transcribe the message from the DNA to the RNA.

  • The member checks were transcribed verbatim, and the initial coding procedures were followed.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Genes in DNA are expressed when they're read and transcribed into RNA, which is translated into proteins by structures called ribosomes.

  • Thus, an embryo with two inactive maternal (or paternal) genes fails to transcribe a necessary gene product.

    Academic text (1999)
  • During the process of transcribetion, enzymes in the nucleus transcribe the genetic code from the DNA to form complementary RNA.

  • Researchers found that messenger RNA is transcribed from DNA during gene expression.

Surface Forms

transcribe infinitive
transcribed past participle
transcribing present participle
transcribes third person singular

Morphology

transcribe = scribe (opaque) = trans + scribe

The molecular-biology sense is a highly specialized, technical metaphor ('write' genetic information), not directly inferable from the base morphemes by an average learner.

Etymology

Transcribe comes from Latin trans- 'across' and scribere 'to write', and this idea of 'writing across' helps in science too. In biology to transcribe is to copy the information 'across' from DNA into RNA, so the genetic message moves into a new form.