Identify the factor responsible for termination of transcription.

The correct answer is Option (4) → ρ

In bacteria, RNA polymerase can carry out only the elongation step of transcription. To start and to stop, it joins briefly with two factors. The initiation factor sigma (σ) helps it to start. The termination factor rho (ρ) helps it to stop. When it stops, the new RNA and the polymerase fall off the DNA.

(1) ω — Incorrect. Omega is a small subunit of the bacterial RNA polymerase itself. It is not a termination factor.

(2) σ — Incorrect. Sigma is the initiation factor. It helps the polymerase to start transcription, not to stop it.

(3) θ — Incorrect. Theta is not a factor of transcription.

(4) ρ — Correct. Rho is the termination factor.

NCERT Extract:
Types of RNA and the Process of Transcription – …