Definition of Template Strand

As we know that there are two strands in a molecule of DNA. In the process of transcription, one that is used as a template in order to form the messenger RNA is termed as a template strand. It is also known as an antisense strand and it runs in 3’ to 5’ direction. It is responsible for the sequencing of the amino acids that are required to synthesize a polypeptide chain.

The template strand differs from the coding strand in this way that it serves itself as a template for the transcription process whereas the coding strand is composed of the same sequence of nucleotides as are present in the mRNA.