This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: All India exam, Subject name: Biochemistry
Replication and transcription are similar processes in mechanistic terms because both : 
Select and explain. 
A. Use RNA primers for initiation., B. Use deoxyribonucleotides as precursors., C. Are semi conserved events, D. Involve phosphodiester bond formation with elongation occurring in the 5' - 3' direction
D: Involve phosphodiester bond formation with elongation occurring in the 5' - 3' direction
Answer: D: Involve phosphodiester bond formation with elongation occurring in the 5' - 3' direction 
Explanation: . Involve phosphodiester bond formation with elongation occurring in the 5&;- 3&; direction. In both DNA and RNA synthesis, the general steps of initiation, elongation and termination occur in 5&;- 3&; direction with the formation of phosphodiester bonds. REF: Lippincott book of biochemistry 6th ed.