TRANSCRIPTION (PROKARYOTES)

What enzyme catalyzes transcription in prokaryotes?

A single RNA polymerase enzyme.

What is the Pribnow box?

A -10 consensus sequence (TATAAT) in prokaryotic promoters where RNA polymerase binds and opens DNA.

What are the steps of transcription in prokaryotes?

1. Initiation (promoter recognition)

2. Elongation (RNA chain synthesis)

3. Termination (rho-dependent or rho-independent termination)

What is the role of sigma factor in transcription?

Helps RNA polymerase recognize promoter regions.

What is rho-independent termination?

Involves GC-rich inverted repeats forming a hairpin loop followed by a U-rich sequence, causing polymerase to dissociate.

What is rho-dependent termination?

Uses rho protein (a helicase) to unwind the RNA-DNA hybrid and release RNA polymerase.