How does prokaryotic transcription and translation differ from these processes in eukaryotic cells?

• A. In prokaryotes, transcription and translation occur simultaneously, whereas in eukaryotes, they are separated by the nuclear membrane.
• B. Eukaryotic cells do not require ribosomes for translation, unlike prokaryotic cells.
• C. Prokaryotic cells use a different set of nucleotides for transcription compared to eukaryotic cells.
• D. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the cytoplasm, while translation occurs in the nucleus.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the basic definitions: Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, and translation is the process of converting RNA into a protein.
2. Recognize the structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus.
3. In prokaryotic cells, transcription and translation can occur simultaneously because there is no nuclear membrane to separate the processes. This means that as soon as mRNA is transcribed, ribosomes can start translating it into proteins.
4. In eukaryotic cells, transcription occurs in the nucleus where the DNA is housed. The mRNA must then be transported out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm where translation occurs. This separation is due to the presence of the nuclear membrane.
5. Clarify the misconception: Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells require ribosomes for translation. Additionally, both use the same set of nucleotides (A, U, C, G) for transcription, and transcription occurs in the nucleus in eukaryotes, not the cytoplasm.