Single gene transcript. Coloured Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of a single duplicated gene of the midge insect Chironomus sp. (family: Chirono- midae). This gene is known as Balbiani ring 2. It codes for a fibrous protein which forms the tube in which the midge larva lives. Transcription is the process by which a gene is replicated into RNA (ribonucleic acid), copies by which the gene expresses itself and forms specific proteins. This gene is found on chromosome 4 of the midge insect. The midge is a subject of study because of its giant (polytene) chromosomes which are easier to view under the microscope. Magnification: x72,900 at 6x7cm size. Magnification: x250,000 at 8x10 inch size.