Antisense transcription

The DNA double helix consists of two complementary sequence strands. For any one sequence there is a sense and complementary antisense strand, e.g. 5' ATTGCGCATT complements 3' TAACGCGTAA. The sense strand is defined as that normally transcribed and translated into mRNA and protein respectively. Antisense transcription refers to the making of RNA from the antisense strand. This RNA will complement RNA made from the sense sequence, and as such may bind to it preventing protein translation.
Learn more