What happens during the termination stage of transcription?

During the termination stage of transcription, the process involves the release of the newly synthesized mRNA strand from the DNA template. This stage occurs when the RNA polymerase enzyme encounters specific sequences in the DNA that signal the end of a gene. Upon reaching these termination signals, the RNA polymerase detaches from the DNA, and the synthesized mRNA strand is released into the nucleus. This marks the completion of the transcription process, allowing the mRNA to undergo further processing before it is translated into a protein.

The other options do not pertain to the termination stage of transcription. The assembly of proteins by ribosomes occurs during translation, not transcription. DNA replication is a separate process that occurs before cell division, while the Golgi apparatus is involved in the post-translational modification and transport of proteins, not in the transcription process itself. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the key event that characterizes this stage of transcription.