At the beginning of transcription, the process by which DNA is copied into RNA, the following must occur:
1. DNA must "unzip" or open: The first step in transcription involves the DNA molecule being unwound and unzipped by an enzyme called RNA polymerase. This allows access to the DNA sequence that needs to be transcribed.
2. DNA must remain in a double helix configuration: While a portion of the DNA molecule is being transcribed into RNA, the rest of the DNA remains in its double helix configuration. This allows for stability and ensures the integrity of the DNA molecule during the transcription process.
By understanding these initial steps of transcription, you can see that the correct answer is: DNA must "unzip" or open. This step is crucial for RNA polymerase to access the DNA template and initiate the transcription of RNA.
