What is the function of the terminator in transcription?

The function of the terminator in transcription is to signal the end of the transcription process. During transcription, RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA from a DNA template, and the terminator acts as a specific sequence of nucleotides that indicates where transcription should cease. When RNA polymerase encounters this terminator sequence, it recognizes that the RNA strand is complete and releases both the newly synthesized RNA and the DNA template. This mechanism is crucial for ensuring that genes are transcribed accurately and that the resulting RNA molecules are of the correct length, which is important for their subsequent functions in protein synthesis and regulation.

The other options refer to different aspects of gene expression: initiating transcription requires a promoter, RNA splicing involves the modification of RNA after transcription, and RNA polymerase binding is influenced by various factors, but not by the terminator itself.