What provides the energy for the conversion from the open complex to chain elongation?
A) ATP hydrolysis distinct from any incorporation into the chain.
B) Nucleotide hydrolysis associated with incorporation into the chain.
C) Torsional stress built into the separating DNA strands.
D) Binding of rho (r) factor to the holoenzyme.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Torsional stress built into the separating DNA strands provides the energy for the conversion from the open complex to chain elongation. This torsional stress is generated by the unwinding of the DNA strands, and it is relieved by the formation of a supercoiled DNA structure. This supercoiled structure helps to stabilize the template DNA strand and allows for efficient movement of the RNA polymerase along the DNA template during chain elongation. ATP hydrolysis or nucleotide hydrolysis are not directly involved in this process. Rho factor is involved in termination of transcription, but not in the conversion from open complex to chain elongation.

What Provides the Energy for the Conversion from the Open