What is the Difference Between Sense and Antisense Strand?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The sense and antisense strands of DNA are two complementary strands that make up the double helix structure. They play different roles in the process of protein synthesis:
- Sense strand: This strand is also known as the coding strand because it contains the code to make a protein when read in the right direction. During protein production, the sense strand serves as a template for producing messenger RNA (mRNA), which directs the synthesis of a protein. The sense strand directly corresponds to the amino acids of a protein.
- Antisense strand: This strand is also known as the non-coding strand or template strand. In a cell, the antisense DNA serves as the template for producing mRNA, which directs the synthesis of a protein. The antisense strand is complementary to the sense strand and is used as a template for the mRNA. During transcription, the template strand (antisense) encodes a complementary mRNA transcript, and the mRNA transcript directly specifies the downstream amino acid sequence.
In summary, the sense strand provides the code for protein synthesis, while the antisense strand serves as a template for producing the mRNA that directs the synthesis of the protein.
Comparative Table: Sense vs Antisense Strand
The difference between the sense and antisense strands of DNA lies in their role in gene expression and the direction of transcription. Here is a table summarizing their differences:
Feature | Sense Strand | Antisense Strand |
---|---|---|
Also known as | Coding Strand, Plus Strand | Non-Coding Strand, Minus Strand |
Direction | 3' to 5' | 5' to 3' |
Role in Transcription | Determines the correct nucleotide sequence of mRNA. | Acts as a template for mRNA transcription. |
Participation in Transcription | Does not take part in the transcription process. | Takes part in the transcription, helping in the formation of mRNA. |
Complementary Sequence | Contains a complementary nucleotide sequence. | Does not have any complementary sequence. |
The sense strand is used to synthesize mRNA, which carries the genetic code for making the corresponding protein. In contrast, the antisense strand is used as a template for mRNA transcription and does not directly participate in the formation of the protein.
- RNA Interference vs Antisense Oligonucleotide
- Codon vs Anticodon
- Lagging vs Leading Strand
- DNA vs RNA Synthesis
- Missense vs Nonsense Mutation
- Positive vs Negative Sense RNA Virus
- ssRNA vs dsRNA
- Positive vs Negative Supercoiling of DNA
- mRNA vs tRNA
- DNA vs RNA Structure
- Single Strand Break vs Double Strand Break
- ssDNA vs dsDNA
- DNA vs RNA
- shRNA vs siRNA
- Template vs Coding Strand
- Start Codon vs Stop Codon
- RNA vs mRNA
- Transcription vs Translation in DNA
- DNA vs mRNA