Podcast
Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Questions and Answers
What is the characteristic feature of a Rho-independent terminator?
What is the characteristic feature of a Rho-independent terminator?
- It has a tRNA binding site.
- It has a C-D rich stem.
- It has a G-C rich stem. (correct)
- It only operates at high temperatures.
What is a key protein involved in Rho-dependent termination?
What is a key protein involved in Rho-dependent termination?
- Rho factor (correct)
- Lactose repressor
- RNA polymerase
- DNA polymerase
How many bases are typically found after the loop in a Rho-independent terminator?
How many bases are typically found after the loop in a Rho-independent terminator?
- 3-5 bases
- 15-20 bases
- 7-9 bases (correct)
- 10-15 bases
What is the approximate size of the Rho factor protein?
What is the approximate size of the Rho factor protein?
Signup and view all the answers
Which activity is associated with the Rho factor in facilitating Rho-dependent termination?
Which activity is associated with the Rho factor in facilitating Rho-dependent termination?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens to chain elongation when RNA polymerase encounters a transcription-termination signal?
What happens to chain elongation when RNA polymerase encounters a transcription-termination signal?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Rho-Independent Termination
- Characterized by a G-C rich stem and a 7-9 base U-run after the loop
- U-DNA pairing is very weak, allowing for dissociation
Rho-Dependent Termination
The Rho Factor
- A 46-kD protein that is active as a hexamer
- Binds to specific sequences on RNA (50-90 bp)
- Has helicase activity, separating RNA-DNA
How it Works
- Binds to RNA tail and moves along the transcript until it catches up to the polymerase (Hot Pursuit Model)
- Causes RNA-DNA separation through its helicase activity, leading to termination
Key Points of RNA Synthesis
- Occurs in three stages: initiation, elongation, and termination
- RNA polymerases are complex multimeric proteins that catalyze transcription
- RNA chain elongation occurs within locally unwound segments of DNA
- Transcription-termination signals halt RNA synthesis
- Transcription, translation, and mRNA degradation often occur simultaneously in prokaryotes
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about rho-independent and rho-dependent termination mechanisms in transcription, including the role of the rho factor and its helicase activity.
