Question

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

Short answer

Rho-dependent termination is controlled by rho protein whereas rho-independent is controlled by specific types of sequences on DNA template strands.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Transcription is the process of copying of information from DNA strands into messenger RNA. It is simply a synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.

Step 2. Explanation

Rho-dependent termination of transcription is controlled by the rho protein which stalks behind the polymerase on the growing mRNA chain. At the end of the gene, polymerase impedes the run of guanine nucleotide on the DNA template. The protein collides with the polymerase and lets out mRNA from the transcription bubble.

Rho-independent termination of transcription is controlled by the specific type o sequences in the DNA templates. As the polymerase reaches the end of the gene that is being transcribed, it meets the region where cytosine-guanine is present abundantly, which causes an mRNA hairpin that impedes the polymerase as it begins to transcribe Adenine and thymine. Adenine and uracil are less thermostable hence core enzyme falls away.