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Q.Describe with the help of a flowchart, the Rho-dependent and Rho-independent method of transcription termination process. Explain central dogma with the help of a chart. (3+2)

West Bengal WbchseWest Bengal HS (WBCHSE) Board 2025Subjective· 5mImportance★★★★★
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Rho-independent termination relies on an RNA hairpin+poly-U signal; Rho-dependent termination relies on the Rho helicase protein chasing and dislodging RNA polymerase. Central dogma: genetic information flows DNA → RNA → protein.

Rho-independent (intrinsic) termination — flowchart in words:

RNA polymerase transcribes past a gene → the DNA template contains an inverted-repeat GC-rich sequence followed by a run of A residues → the nascent RNA transcript (being complementary) folds back on itself, forming a stable hairpin (stem-loop) structure, immediately followed by a stretch of U residues → the hairpin causes RNA polymerase to pause at this site → the weak A-U base pairing (RNA-DNA hybrid) in the U-rich region destabilises → RNA polymerase dissociates from the DNA template, releasing the completed RNA transcript, without requiring any additional protein factor.

Rho-dependent termination — flowchart in words:

RNA polymerase transcribes the gene, synthesising RNA that includes a specific Rho-utilisation (rut) site → the Rho protein (an ATP-dependent RNA-DNA helicase) binds to this rut site on the nascent RNA → using energy from ATP hydrolysis, Rho translocates ('chases') along the RNA in the direction of RNA polymerase → RNA polymerase pauses at a downstream terminator sequence → Rho protein catches up to RNA polymerase, and its helicase activity unwinds the RNA-DNA hybrid within the transcription bubble → the RNA transcript is released and RNA polymerase dissociates from the DNA.

Central dogma of molecular biology (chart):

DNA —(Replication)→ DNA

DNA —(Transcription)→ RNA

RNA —(Translation)→ Protein

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