Prokaryotic Translation vs. Eukaryotic Translation: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023

Prokaryotic Translation occurs in the cytoplasm concurrently with transcription, lacks a 5' cap, while Eukaryotic Translation involves a 5' cap and occurs after transcription.

Prokaryotic Translation vs. Eukaryotic Translation

Key Differences

Prokaryotic Translation happens in the cytoplasm and can start while the mRNA is still being transcribed, unlike Eukaryotic Translation, which occurs in the cytoplasm but only after mRNA processing and transport from the nucleus.

Dec 10, 2023

In Prokaryotic Translation, mRNA does not possess a 5' cap or a poly-A tail, features that are crucial in Eukaryotic Translation for mRNA stability and initiation of translation.

Dec 10, 2023

Ribosome sizes differ, with Prokaryotic Translation using 70S ribosomes, whereas Eukaryotic Translation involves larger 80S ribosomes.

Dec 10, 2023

Prokaryotic Translation often involves polycistronic mRNA, encoding multiple proteins, whereas Eukaryotic mRNA is typically monocistronic, encoding a single protein.

Dec 10, 2023

The initiation of translation in prokaryotes begins at a specific sequence on mRNA, while eukaryotes utilize a cap-dependent mechanism, involving various initiation factors.

Dec 10, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Location of Translation

Cytoplasm, simultaneous with transcription

Cytoplasm, post-transcription

Dec 10, 2023

MRNA Cap and Tail

No 5' cap or poly-A tail

5' cap and poly-A tail present

Dec 10, 2023

Ribosome Size

70S ribosomes

80S ribosomes

Dec 10, 2023

MRNA Type

Often polycistronic

Usually monocistronic

Dec 10, 2023

Initiation of Translation

Specific sequence on mRNA

Cap-dependent initiation

Dec 10, 2023

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Prokaryotic Translation and Eukaryotic Translation Definitions

Prokaryotic Translation

Often involves polycistronic mRNA.

A single mRNA in Prokaryotic Translation can produce multiple proteins.

Dec 03, 2023

Eukaryotic Translation

Protein synthesis process in eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic Translation occurs after mRNA leaves the nucleus.

Dec 03, 2023

Prokaryotic Translation

The process of protein synthesis in prokaryotes.

Prokaryotic Translation occurs directly in the cytoplasm.

Dec 03, 2023

Eukaryotic Translation

Requires a 5' cap and poly-A tail.

These features stabilize mRNA in Eukaryotic Translation.

Dec 03, 2023

Prokaryotic Translation

Utilizes 70S ribosomes for translating mRNA.

In Prokaryotic Translation, smaller ribosomes are involved.

Dec 03, 2023

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Eukaryotic Translation

Occurs post-transcriptionally.

Eukaryotic Translation ensures accurate mRNA processing before translation.

Dec 03, 2023

Prokaryotic Translation

Lacks a 5' cap and poly-A tail.

The mRNA in Prokaryotic Translation is simpler in structure.

Dec 03, 2023

Eukaryotic Translation

Involves larger 80S ribosomes.

Eukaryotic Translation uses more complex ribosomal structures.

Dec 03, 2023

Prokaryotic Translation

Can occur concurrently with transcription.

Prokaryotic Translation allows for rapid protein synthesis.

Dec 03, 2023

Eukaryotic Translation

Typically uses monocistronic mRNA.

Each mRNA in Eukaryotic Translation typically codes for one protein.

Dec 03, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Do prokaryotes have a 5' cap on mRNA?

No, their mRNA lacks a 5' cap.

Dec 10, 2023

Where does Eukaryotic Translation occur?

In the cytoplasm, after mRNA processing.

Dec 10, 2023

What is Eukaryotic Translation?

Protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells.

Dec 10, 2023

What ribosomes do eukaryotes use?

80S ribosomes.

Dec 10, 2023

Is Prokaryotic mRNA polycistronic?

Often, encoding multiple proteins.

Dec 10, 2023

What is Prokaryotic Translation?

Protein synthesis in prokaryotes.

Dec 10, 2023

Do eukaryotes have a 5' cap on mRNA?

Yes, it's essential for translation.

Dec 10, 2023

What ribosomes do prokaryotes use?

70S ribosomes.

Dec 10, 2023

Does Prokaryotic Translation require mRNA processing?

No, it's simpler and more direct.

Dec 10, 2023

Where does Prokaryotic Translation occur?

In the cytoplasm, often alongside transcription.

Dec 10, 2023

How does translation initiation differ?

Prokaryotes use a sequence on mRNA, eukaryotes use a cap-dependent mechanism.

Dec 10, 2023

Can Prokaryotic Translation be simultaneous with transcription?

Yes, it's a key feature.

Dec 10, 2023

How does mRNA stability differ?

Prokaryotic mRNA is less stable than eukaryotic mRNA.

Dec 10, 2023

What's the role of a poly-A tail in Eukaryotic Translation?

It stabilizes mRNA and aids in translation.

Dec 10, 2023

Does Eukaryotic Translation require mRNA processing?

Yes, including capping and adding a poly-A tail.

Dec 10, 2023

Is there a difference in translation speed?

Prokaryotic Translation can be faster due to its simplicity.

Dec 10, 2023

Is Eukaryotic Translation ever simultaneous with transcription?

No, it occurs post-transcriptionally.

Dec 10, 2023

What is the complexity level of the translation process?

Prokaryotic Translation is generally simpler than Eukaryotic Translation.

Dec 10, 2023

Is Eukaryotic mRNA monocistronic?

Usually, encoding a single protein.

Dec 10, 2023

What's the role of a poly-A tail in Prokaryotic Translation?

Prokaryotic mRNA doesn't have a poly-A tail.

Dec 10, 2023

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About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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