Final answer:
The absence of a terminator in transcription leads to a longer RNA molecule because transcription continues without the normal termination signal. This could cause issues with mRNA processing in eukaryotes, as proper termination is necessary for accurate mRNA maturation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The absence of a terminator in transcription will result in the production of a longer RNA molecule. This is because transcription will continue past the usual stopping point, creating an extended RNA transcript. In prokaryotic cells, this could mean the RNA is used to begin protein synthesis before transcription has even terminated. However, in eukaryotic cells, transcription and translation are separated spatially and temporally, so the extended transcript would need to be processed post-transcriptionally, which might not occur correctly if the proper termination signals are not present.
Additionally, if the 5' methyl guanosine cap is not added to an mRNA, it may affect the stability and translational efficiency of the mRNA, and it will lack protection from degradation. It is important to note that the cap and tail are added to mRNA during the processing which occurs after transcription has been terminated properly.