What term refers to the strand of DNA not used as a template during DNA replication or RNA transcription?

The term "coding strand" refers to the strand of DNA that is not used as a template during DNA replication or RNA transcription. This strand has a sequence that is identical to the mRNA (except for the substitution of uracil for thymine) that is produced during transcription, hence its designation as the coding strand.

During transcription, the other strand—the template strand—is used to produce mRNA. The coding strand provides the same information that is ultimately expressed as a protein, even though it is not directly involved in the synthesis process. This distinction is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of gene expression, as it highlights the relationship between the genetic code and the resultant proteins synthesized in cells.

In contrast, terms like template strand, non-coding strand, and complementary strand denote other aspects of the DNA structure or function, which are different from the role of the coding strand.