A terminator in mRNA synthesis is a(n) __________.

• A. enzyme that adds nucleotides to the growing mRNA strand
• B. region where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription
• C. DNA sequence that signals the end of transcription
• D. protein that unwinds the DNA double helix

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of transcription, where mRNA is synthesized from a DNA template.
2. Recall that transcription involves initiation, elongation, and termination phases.
3. Identify that a terminator is related to the termination phase, signaling the end of transcription.
4. Recognize that a terminator is a specific DNA sequence that causes RNA polymerase to stop transcription.
5. Conclude that the terminator is not an enzyme, protein, or binding region, but a DNA sequence signaling transcription termination.