Question

In your own words, describe the difference between rho-dependent and rho-independent termination of transcription in prokaryotes.

a) Rho-independent termination requires a protein factor to bind to the RNA transcript, while rho-dependent termination does not.
b) Rho-dependent termination involves the formation of a hairpin structure in the mRNA, while rho-independent termination does not.
c) Rho-independent termination relies on the action of the rho protein, while rho-dependent termination does not.
d) Rho-dependent termination occurs at specific terminator sequences, while rho-independent termination occurs at any sequence.

Answer 1

Rho-dependent termination involves the action of a protein called rho, while rho-independent termination does not. The formation of a hairpin loop in the mRNA is the main structural difference between the two types of termination.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rho-dependent termination and rho-independent termination are two different ways in which transcription is terminated in prokaryotes.

Rho-dependent termination involves the action of a protein called rho. Near the end of the gene, the RNA polymerase encounters a run of G nucleotides on the DNA template, leading to the polymerase stalling. The rho protein then collides with the polymerase, releasing the mRNA from the transcription bubble.

In contrast, rho-independent termination does not require a protein factor like rho. Instead, when the RNA polymerase encounters a region rich in C-G nucleotides on the DNA template, the mRNA forms a hairpin loop, causing the polymerase to stall and leading to the termination of transcription. This hairpin structure is the main structural difference between rho-dependent and rho-independent termination.