Question

Given below are two statements regarding RNA polymerase in prokaryotes.
Statement I : In prokaryotes, RNA polymerase is capable of catalysing the process of elongation during transcription.
Statement II : RNA polymerase associate transiently with ‘Rho’ factor to initiate transcription.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• B. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
• C. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• D. Both Statement I and Statement II are false

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question involves two statements related to RNA polymerase in prokaryotes, and you are asked to evaluate their truthfulness. Let's discuss each statement separately to arrive at the correct answer.

1. Statement I: In prokaryotes, RNA polymerase is capable of catalysing the process of elongation during transcription.

The process of transcription in prokaryotes is carried out by a single type of RNA polymerase. This enzyme is responsible for synthesizing all types of RNA—mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA—by reading the DNA template. Specifically, during transcription, after initiation, RNA polymerase moves along the DNA template, adding nucleotides to the growing RNA chain, a process known as elongation.

Thus, Statement I is true, as RNA polymerase does indeed catalyze the process of elongation during transcription.

1. Statement II: RNA polymerase associate transiently with ‘Rho’ factor to initiate transcription.

The Rho factor in prokaryotes is a protein that plays a role in terminating transcription, not initiating it. While the sigma factor transiently associates with RNA polymerase to initiate transcription, the Rho factor is responsible for disengaging RNA polymerase from the DNA template during the termination phase. Therefore, associating the Rho factor with the initiation of transcription is incorrect.

Thus, Statement II is false, as the Rho factor is not involved in transcription initiation.

Based on the above explanations, the correct answer is: Statement I is true but Statement II is false.