PRACTICE: Which of these answers are major differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes in gene expression?

• A. Eukaryotes have monocistronic mRNA while prokaryotes can have polycistronic mRNA.
• B. Eukaryotic transcription occurs in the nucleus, while prokaryotic transcription occurs in the cytoplasm.
• C. Eukaryotes use transcription factor proteins in transcription, while prokaryotes use sigma factors.
• D. Simultaneous transcription and translation occur in prokaryotes but not eukaryotes.
• E. All of the above are major differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic transcription.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic definitions: Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes, whereas prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus.
2. Identify the concept of mRNA: Monocistronic mRNA in eukaryotes means each mRNA molecule translates into a single protein, while polycistronic mRNA in prokaryotes can encode multiple proteins.
3. Examine the location of transcription: In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus, separating it from translation, which occurs in the cytoplasm. In prokaryotes, both processes occur in the cytoplasm, allowing them to happen simultaneously.
4. Explore the role of transcription factors: Eukaryotic transcription involves various transcription factor proteins that help initiate and regulate the process, whereas prokaryotes primarily use sigma factors to initiate transcription.
5. Consider the simultaneous transcription and translation: In prokaryotes, the lack of a nuclear membrane allows transcription and translation to occur simultaneously, a feature not present in eukaryotes due to compartmentalization.