A mutation of a sigma factor in a bacterium would most likely affect
A) the rate at which transcription is initiated.
B) the rate at which the elongation stage of translation occurs.
C) the frequency of errors in transcription.
D) the types of modifications made to RNA during processing.
E) the rate at which translation occurs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sigma factors are proteins that are required for the initiation of transcription in bacteria. Therefore, a mutation in a sigma factor would most likely affect the rate at which transcription is initiated. It would not have a direct effect on the elongation stage of translation or the modifications made to RNA during processing. The frequency of errors in transcription could potentially be affected if the mutation affected the accuracy of the sigma factor in recognizing promoter regions, but this is less likely than a direct effect on the rate of initiation. The rate of translation is also unlikely to be affected, as this is dependent on the availability of mRNA and ribosomes, rather than the initiation of transcription.

A Mutation of a Sigma Factor in a Bacterium Would