Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Transcription - Introduction
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription are processes in which genetic information from DNA is converted into mRNA, but they differ in complexity and location. Prokaryotic transcription occurs in the cytoplasm, is simpler, faster, and coupled with translation, whereas eukaryotic transcription occurs inside the nucleus, involves RNA processing (splicing, capping, polyadenylation), and is separate from translation.
Comparison Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Transcription:
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FAQs on Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Transcription
1. What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription?
Location: Prokaryotic transcription occurs in the cytoplasm, while eukaryotic transcription occurs in the nucleus.
RNA Polymerase: Prokaryotes have one RNA polymerase, while eukaryotes have three different RNA polymerases (RNA Pol I, II, III).
2. What are the major differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription?
Transcription and Translation: In prokaryotes, transcription and translation occur simultaneously, while in eukaryotes, they are separate processes.
Introns and Splicing: Prokaryotic genes lack introns, so no splicing occurs, while eukaryotic genes contain introns that must be removed via splicing.
3. What is one difference between transcription-related activities in eukaryotes and prokaryotes?
One major difference is that eukaryotic transcription requires complex mRNA processing, while prokaryotic mRNA is ready for translation immediately after transcription.
4. How do prokaryotes and eukaryotes differ in terms of gene transcription?
Prokaryotic transcription is fast and simple, with one RNA polymerase and no RNA processing.
Eukaryotic transcription is complex and highly regulated, involving multiple RNA polymerases, transcription factors, and post-transcriptional modifications.
5. Where is DNA located in a prokaryotic cell?
In prokaryotic cells, DNA is found in the nucleoid region, a non-membrane-bound area within the cytoplasm.
6. Are humans prokaryotes or eukaryotes?
Humans are eukaryotes because their cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
7. What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes?
Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S (composed of 50S and 30S subunits).
Eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S (composed of 60S and 40S subunits).
8. What is eukaryotic transcription?
Eukaryotic transcription is the process where RNA polymerase transcribes DNA into mRNA inside the nucleus, followed by post-transcriptional modifications before translation.
9. What are the steps of transcription in prokaryotes?
Initiation – RNA polymerase binds to the promoter with the help of a sigma factor.
Elongation – RNA polymerase synthesizes the RNA strand by adding nucleotides.
Termination – Transcription stops using rho-dependent or rho-independent termination mechanisms.
10. What are the two types of transcription factors?
General Transcription Factors (GTFs) – Required for the initiation of transcription by RNA polymerase II in all genes (e.g., TFIID, TFIIB).
Regulatory Transcription Factors – Control the expression of specific genes by activating or repressing transcription (e.g., enhancers, silencers).
