Final answer:
Forgetting to add a terminator during gene transcription results in gene expression not ending properly, potentially producing faulty proteins. The terminator is crucial for signaling the end of transcription, affecting the RNA polymerase's cessation of transcribing DNA into mRNA. The correct option is a) Gene expression will not end in the proper place
Step-by-step explanation:
If a biological engineer forgets to add a "terminator" molecule during gene transcription, the result is that gene expression will not end in the proper place. A terminator molecule, which often consists of specific sequences of nucleotides, signals the end of the transcription process. Without it, the RNA polymerase can continue transcribing beyond the end of the gene. This may lead to the production of mRNA that includes unwanted sequences, potentially resulting in faulty proteins or disrupted regulatory mechanisms inside the cell.
It's important to note that in the context of prokaryotic gene termination, the presence of a rho protein (p protein) is essential. The absence of this protein can prevent proper gene termination in prokaryotes. Moreover, the absence of modifications such as the 5' methyl guanosine cap on mRNA can result in mRNA degradation or issues with the export from the nucleus and translation efficiency.
Finally, a mutation in sequences vital for transcription, such as the promoter region or the TATA box, can lead to a complete failure in the initiation of transcription or to incorrect positioning of the RNA polymerase binding, with serious implications for gene expression. The correct option is a) Gene expression will not end in the proper place