What occurs during transcription?

Transcription is the process by which the information encoded in a specific segment of DNA is transcribed to produce a complementary RNA molecule. During transcription, segments of DNA known as genes are used as templates. The enzyme RNA polymerase binds to the DNA at the promoter region and unwinds the double helix, allowing it to read the genetic instructions. As the enzyme moves along the DNA strand, it assembles nucleotides that are complementary to the DNA template, resulting in the formation of a single-stranded RNA molecule. This newly synthesized RNA molecule can then go on to participate in translation, where it is used to synthesize proteins.

The other options are not consistent with the transcription process. Replication refers to the copying of DNA to produce identical copies, modification of RNA occurs after transcription during processing (specifically for eukaryotic cells), and protein synthesis occurs during translation, not transcription. Thus, the statement that describes the process of transcription accurately is that segments of DNA serve as templates to produce complementary RNA molecules.