What is the key difference in translation between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

What is the key difference in translation between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

• A. In prokaryotes, translation and transcription occur simultaneously
• B. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the cytosol
• C. Eukaryotes have no mRNA
• D. Prokaryotes lack ribosomes

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is the coupling of transcription and translation. In prokaryotes, these processes happen in the same compartment—the cytoplasm—so ribosomes can begin translating an mRNA while it’s still being transcribed. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus, the RNA is processed, and only after export to the cytoplasm can translation occur, so the steps are separated in time and space. That’s why the key difference is that transcription and translation are coupled in prokaryotes but not in eukaryotes. The other statements aren’t accurate: transcription happens in the nucleus (not the cytosol) in eukaryotes; eukaryotes do have mRNA; and prokaryotes do possess ribosomes.

The main idea being tested is the coupling of transcription and translation. In prokaryotes, these processes happen in the same compartment—the cytoplasm—so ribosomes can begin translating an mRNA while it’s still being transcribed. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus, the RNA is processed, and only after export to the cytoplasm can translation occur, so the steps are separated in time and space. That’s why the key difference is that transcription and translation are coupled in prokaryotes but not in eukaryotes. The other statements aren’t accurate: transcription happens in the nucleus (not the cytosol) in eukaryotes; eukaryotes do have mRNA; and prokaryotes do possess ribosomes.