Content Curator
The process of decoding the genetic code contained within a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule to produce a specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain is known as translation.
- Translation is the cellular mechanism responsible for protein synthesis.
- This process takes place in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- The main difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic translation is that eukaryotic translation is an asynchronous process, while prokaryotic translation is a synchronous process.
In this article, we will learn more about the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation.
| Table of Content |
Key Terms: Translation, Transcription, Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Translation, Prokaryotic cells, Eukaryotic cells, Protein synthesis
Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Translation
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
The following are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation:
| Parameters | Prokaryotic Translation | Eukaryotic Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The translation and transcription processes are synchronized. | The translation and transcription processes are discontinuous. |
| mRNA | Cytoplasm | Nucleus |
| Cap initiation | Cap-independent | Both Cap-dependent and Cap-independent |
| Performed by | 70S ribosomes | 80S ribosomes |
| Stability of mRNA | Unstable | Stable |
| Ribosomes | Found on the 50S and 30S subunits of 70S ribosomes. | Takes place on 80S ribosomes made of two subtypes, the 60S and 40S subunits. |
| Lifespan of mRNA | A few seconds to 2 minutes | A few hours to days |
| Occurrence | No definite phase | G1 and G2 phase of the cell cycle |
| Process | Fast | Slow |
| Release factor | RF1, RF2 | eRF |
| Initiation factors | 3 | 9 |
Also check:
Prokaryotic Translation
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
Prokaryotic translation is the process of synthesizing proteins based on messenger RNA (mRNA) information. It occurs in three key stages
Initiation
The 50S and 30S ribosomal subunits join together with the help of initiation factors (IF1, IF2, and IF3) to form a complex. The first amino acid added during translation is N-formylmethionine.
Elongation
This is the repetitive phase where amino acids are linked together to form a protein chain. Elongation factors (EF-Tu and EF-G) play a vital role here. GTP provides the energy for peptide bond formation between incoming and existing amino acids.
Termination
Stop codons (UGA, UAA, or UAG) on the mRNA signal the release of the finished protein and the breakdown of the ribosome complex by release factors.
This cycle repeats for each mRNA molecule, resulting in the production of multiple protein copies.
Eukaryotic Translation
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
Eukaryotic translation is the process by which messenger RNA (mRNA) is converted into protein. The four steps of eukaryotic translation are:
Initiation
This step involves attracting the ribosome to the mRNA, either through a cap-dependent or cap-independent mechanism. The first amino acid added during translation is Methionine.
Elongation
Amino acids are linked together to form a growing protein chain. Ribosomal stalling can occur here, impacting the translation rate.
Termination
When a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released, and the ribosome complex disassembles.
Recycling
Disassembled ribosomal subunits are recycled for future translation cycles.
Also check:
| Related Concepts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Structure of DNA | DNA Replication | Thallophyte |
| What are Living Organisms Made Up Of? | What are the 22 Bones of the Skull? | Heterotrophic Bacteria |
Things to Remember
- Translation occurs in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes during protein synthesis.
- In translation, codons are converted into amino acid sequences from nucleotide triplets found in mRNA.
- Eukaryotic translation and transcription are asynchronous, whereas prokaryotic translation and transcription are synchronous.
- Eukaryotes are much more complex and larger than prokaryotes.
- In both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, a lipid bilayer serves as a selective barrier between the internal and external environments.
Sample Questions
Ques. What is the process of Translation? (2 Marks)
Ans. Translation is the biological process by which the mRNA codes for a specific protein. During translation, ribosomes read the instructions on mRNA (produced from DNA) and assemble a specific chain of amino acids, forming a protein.
Ques. What is Transcription? (2 Marks)
Ans. It is one of the first steps in the process of gene expression. The genetic information flows from DNA to protein in a sequential process of transcription and translation. During the transcription process, only one strand of DNA is copied, known as the template strand, and the RNA formed is known as the mRNA.
Ques. What are the stages of Transcription? (3 Marks)
Ans. Transcription takes place in enzymatically catalyzed steps, i.e.
Initiation: In the beginning, RNA polymerase binds to the DNA molecule and moves along the DNA strand until it recognizes a promoter sequence. These are referred to as transcription start sites. The DNA double helix then unwinds, exposing all of the bases on each of the DNA strands. This serves as a template for the formation of a new mRNA strand.
Elongation: Ribonucleotides are added to the template strand, allowing mRNA to grow.
Termination: When RNA polymerase encounters a terminator sequence, transcription is terminated. The DNA template is then released by RNA polymerase.
Ques. Why is prokaryotic translation faster than eukaryotic? (2 Marks)
Ans. Compared to eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells have a much smaller genome, and transcription and translation occur simultaneously. Additionally, they have an operon system, while eukaryotes have individual gene promoters.
Ques. What is the main difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Translations? (2 Marks)
Ans. The main difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic translation is that eukaryotic translation and transcription are asynchronous processes, whereas prokaryotic translation and transcription are synchronized processes.
Ques. What are the similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells? (3 Marks)
Ans. There are some similarities between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells. These are
Cell Membrane: Both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells have a lipid bilayer, which is a phospholipid and protein arrangement that serves as a selective barrier between the cell's internal and external environments.
Biological Material: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) serves as the foundation for genetic information in both Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells. This genetic material is required to regulate and perform cell functions through the transcription of RNA, followed by the translation of proteins.
Ribosomes: Ribosomes aid in the translation of RNA as well as the production of protein, both of which are required for the proper functioning of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Ques. How does protein synthesis occur in prokaryotes? (3 Marks)
Ans. Since prokaryotes lack a nucleus, both transcription (RNA synthesis) and translation (protein synthesis) occur in the same location: the cytoplasm. This streamlined process eliminates the need for post-transcriptional modifications. As a result, a mature mRNA molecule is immediately available for translation after being transcribed, typically starting with the association of the 30S ribosomal subunit at the AUG codon site on the mRNA.
Ques. How does protein synthesis occur in eukaryotes? (3 Marks)
Ans. In this process, inside the nucleus, pre-mRNA undergoes post-transcriptional modifications to become a mature mRNA molecule. This mature mRNA then travels to the cytoplasm i.e. the cellular hub for protein production. Here, ribosomes, either free-floating or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, await their turn. The critical first step, initiation, involves bringing together the 80S ribosome, the mRNA carrying the instructions, and the initiator methionyl-tRNA. This marks the beginning of protein synthesis in eukaryotes.
Ques. What is the role of amino acids in protein synthesis? (2 Marks)
Ans. There are many different functions of Amino acids. The main function of amino acids is to serve as the monomer in producing new proteins. Nucleotide bases, neurotransmitters, and hormones can all be synthesized from amino acids, which can also be used as substrates.
Ques. How does a eukaryotic cell divide? (1 Mark)
Ans. The process of division of a eukaryotic cell is known as mitosis. The following stages during cell division:
- Prophase
- Metaphase
- Anaphase
- Telophase
- Cytokinesis
For Latest Updates on Upcoming Board Exams, Click Here: https://t.me/class_10_12_board_updates
Also Read:
Comments