Discuss the two mechanisms that result in the termination of transcription - How do they differ and compare. Intrinsic rho-dependent.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
icon
Related questions
Question
Molecular biology, please explain in detail
### Mechanisms of Transcription Termination

Transcription termination is a crucial process in gene expression where RNA synthesis is effectively concluded, ensuring that RNA polymerase stops transcription at the correct location. There are two primary mechanisms by which this occurs: Intrinsic termination and Rho-dependent termination. Both mechanisms ensure that transcription is precisely regulated, but they operate through different processes.

#### Intrinsic Termination
Intrinsic termination, also known as Rho-independent termination, relies on specific sequences in the DNA template. These sequences form a hairpin loop followed by a series of uracil residues in the RNA transcript. This hairpin structure causes the RNA polymerase to pause and destabilize, resulting in the release of the newly synthesized RNA. The intrinsic terminator sequences are encoded in the DNA and are transcribed into the RNA, facilitating termination without any external factors.

#### Rho-Dependent Termination
On the other hand, Rho-dependent termination requires the rho protein, an ATP-dependent helicase. The rho factor binds to the rut site on the nascent RNA and translocates along the RNA in a 5' to 3' direction, catching up to the RNA polymerase stalled at the termination site. Once the rho protein contacts the polymerase, it induces conformational changes that release the RNA transcript and disassemble the transcription machinery.

### Comparison
Both intrinsic and rho-dependent termination are essential mechanisms for ensuring effective regulation of gene expression. The intrinsic mechanism relies solely on specific DNA sequences and RNA secondary structures, while rho-dependent termination requires additional proteins, specifically the rho factor. The physical and enzymatic activities involved in each process highlight the diversity in regulatory mechanisms within the cell, ensuring precise control over RNA synthesis.

Each of these mechanisms plays a crucial role in maintaining the fidelity and efficiency of transcription, and understanding these processes provides deeper insights into the complex nature of genetic regulation.
Transcribed Image Text:### Mechanisms of Transcription Termination Transcription termination is a crucial process in gene expression where RNA synthesis is effectively concluded, ensuring that RNA polymerase stops transcription at the correct location. There are two primary mechanisms by which this occurs: Intrinsic termination and Rho-dependent termination. Both mechanisms ensure that transcription is precisely regulated, but they operate through different processes. #### Intrinsic Termination Intrinsic termination, also known as Rho-independent termination, relies on specific sequences in the DNA template. These sequences form a hairpin loop followed by a series of uracil residues in the RNA transcript. This hairpin structure causes the RNA polymerase to pause and destabilize, resulting in the release of the newly synthesized RNA. The intrinsic terminator sequences are encoded in the DNA and are transcribed into the RNA, facilitating termination without any external factors. #### Rho-Dependent Termination On the other hand, Rho-dependent termination requires the rho protein, an ATP-dependent helicase. The rho factor binds to the rut site on the nascent RNA and translocates along the RNA in a 5' to 3' direction, catching up to the RNA polymerase stalled at the termination site. Once the rho protein contacts the polymerase, it induces conformational changes that release the RNA transcript and disassemble the transcription machinery. ### Comparison Both intrinsic and rho-dependent termination are essential mechanisms for ensuring effective regulation of gene expression. The intrinsic mechanism relies solely on specific DNA sequences and RNA secondary structures, while rho-dependent termination requires additional proteins, specifically the rho factor. The physical and enzymatic activities involved in each process highlight the diversity in regulatory mechanisms within the cell, ensuring precise control over RNA synthesis. Each of these mechanisms plays a crucial role in maintaining the fidelity and efficiency of transcription, and understanding these processes provides deeper insights into the complex nature of genetic regulation.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Genomics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780134580999
Author:
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:
PEARSON
Biology 2e
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:
9781947172517
Author:
Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:
OpenStax
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781259398629
Author:
McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:
Mcgraw Hill Education,
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780815344322
Author:
Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781260159363
Author:
Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9781260231700
Author:
Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:
McGraw Hill Education