Practice question

Bacterial ribosomal RNA operons (rrn) are transcribed as long polycistronic precursors rather than individual genes. The primary transcript typically around 30S contains 16S, 23S, 5S rRNAs and interspersed tRNAs co-transcribed in one unit. This polycistronic organization allows stoichiometric production of rRNAs. The transcript folds into extensive double-stranded processing stems recognized by RNase III for initial cleavage, followed by RNase E, RNase G, RNase T and other nucleases for secondary trimming, ultimately releasing mature rRNAs ready for ribosomal assembly and coordinated growth regulation.