Question

Between rho-independent and rho-dependent termination, which mechanism is also known as intrinsic termination?

Options

• Both mechanisms are intrinsic

• Rho-dependent termination

• Rho-independent termination

• Neither mechanism is intrinsic

Answer 1

Rho-independent termination is also called intrinsic termination because the termination mechanism is intrinsic to the RNA sequence itself. The hairpin loop and U-rich sequence form spontaneously in the RNA without requiring any additional protein factors. This contrasts with rho-dependent termination, which requires the rho protein factor to actively terminate transcription.