Prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription are two different processes that occur in different types of organisms.
1. Prokaryotic Transcription:
- Prokaryotes, such as bacteria, have a simpler cell structure.
- Transcription and translation occur simultaneously in the cytoplasm because prokaryotes lack a defined nucleus.
- The prokaryotic genome consists of a single, circular DNA molecule.
- Transcription involves a single type of RNA polymerase enzyme that recognizes a specific promoter region on DNA.
- Transcription factors are not required for initiation, and RNA polymerase can directly bind to the promoter.
- There is no post-transcriptional processing of the mRNA molecule.
- The resulting mRNA molecule is typically polycistronic, meaning it contains several genes arranged in a sequence.
- Transcription and translation can occur simultaneously because there is no physical separation between the two processes.
2. Eukaryotic Transcription:
- Eukaryotes, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists, have complex cell structures.
- Transcription occurs in the nucleus, while translation happens in the cytoplasm.
- The eukaryotic genome consists of multiple linear DNA molecules packaged into chromosomes.
- Transcription involves multiple types of RNA polymerase enzymes, each recognizing different types of promoters.
- Transcription factors are necessary for the initiation of transcription and help in the assembly of the RNA polymerase complex.
- The mRNA molecule undergoes several post-transcriptional modifications, including the addition of a 5' cap, 3' poly-A tail, and RNA splicing to remove introns and join exons.
- The resulting mRNA is monocistronic, meaning it contains a single gene.
- Transcription and translation are physically separated by the nuclear membrane, and RNA must be transported to the cytoplasm for translation to occur.
Overall, prokaryotic transcription is relatively simple and occurs concurrently with translation, while eukaryotic transcription is more complex, involving multiple enzymes and significant post-transcriptional processing.
what is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription
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