Gene transcription. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of nucleolar genes of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) with RNA (ribonucleic acid) polymerase molecules as they make ribonucleoprotein fibrils. The DNA (central strands) is from the nucleus of an amphibian egg. This is the transcription of DNA genetic information which begins at one end of the gene, with the fibrils growing longer as they approach completion. Transcription is the first step in protein synthesis. Magnification: x24,800 when printed at 10cm wide.