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

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Share this page

Link for your blog / website

HTML

Link to share via messenger

Hydrocodone vs. Oxycodone

Prokaryotic Translation vs. Eukaryotic Translation

Keyboard vs. Piano

Prokaryotic Translation vs. Eukaryotic Translation

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.

Trending Comparisons

Megabyte vs. Gigabyte

Megabyte vs. Gigabyte

February 8, 2024

A Megabyte (MB) is a unit of digital information storage equal to 1,024 kilobytes, while a Gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1,024 megabytes.

Android TV vs. Tizen TV

Android TV vs. Tizen TV

February 26, 2024

Android TV is a smart TV platform powered by Google's Android OS, offering extensive app compatibility, while Tizen TV is Samsung's smart TV OS, known for its smooth interface and integration with Samsung devices.

Pastor vs. Reverend

Pastor vs. Reverend

February 23, 2024

A pastor is a religious leader of a Christian congregation, while reverend is a title used to address or refer to Christian clergy.

Shriners vs. Masons

Shriners vs. Masons

February 29, 2024

Shriners are a subgroup within Freemasonry known for charitable work, especially children's hospitals; Masons are members of the larger, older fraternity of Freemasonry with broader goals and activities.

Catholic Bible vs. NIV Bible

Catholic Bible vs. NIV Bible

February 11, 2024

The Catholic Bible includes additional books in the Old Testament not found in the NIV Bible; the NIV is a modern English translation.

Paranormal vs. Supernatural

Paranormal vs. Supernatural

December 26, 2024

Paranormal involves phenomena beyond scientific explanation, focusing on events like ghost sightings. Supernatural encompasses all beyond natural laws, including deities and magic.

Broadsheet vs. Tabloid

Broadsheet vs. Tabloid

November 2, 2024

Broadsheet is a large-format newspaper focusing on serious content; Tabloid is a smaller, sensational news-focused paper.

Rescind vs. Revoke

Rescind vs. Revoke

July 10, 2024

Rescind involves officially cancelling a decision or agreement; revoke means to officially cancel the validity of something, often involving rights or licenses.

Snow vs. Snow Showers

Snow vs. Snow Showers

February 4, 2024

Snow refers to frozen precipitation falling steadily, while snow showers are brief, intermittent bursts of snow.

Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro

Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro

February 4, 2024

PyCharm Community is a free, open-source IDE for Python development, while PyCharm Pro is a paid version with additional advanced features like web development support and database tools.

Hanukkah vs. Kwanzaa

Hanukkah vs. Kwanzaa

February 3, 2024

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple, while Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration of cultural heritage and values.

Hydroscopic vs. Hygroscopic

Hydroscopic vs. Hygroscopic

February 14, 2024

Hydroscopic is a common misnomer, often incorrectly used in place of hygroscopic. Hygroscopic refers to substances that absorb moisture from the air.

Jungle vs. Rainforest

Jungle vs. Rainforest

January 29, 2024

A jungle is a dense, wild forest, often impenetrable, while a rainforest is a dense forest rich in biodiversity, typically receiving high rainfall.

Pulley vs. Sheave

Pulley vs. Sheave

April 4, 2024

A pulley is a wheel on an axle designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable, while a sheave is the wheel part of a pulley system that specifically interacts with the cable.

Cocoon vs. Chrysalis

Cocoon vs. Chrysalis

March 3, 2024

A cocoon is a protective casing spun by moths and other insects, while a chrysalis is the hard shell formed by butterfly larvae during metamorphosis.

Acrobatics vs. Gymnastics

Acrobatics vs. Gymnastics

May 1, 2024

Acrobatics emphasizes agility and flexibility in individual feats, while gymnastics combines strength, flexibility, and apparatus use in a structured sport.

Hawaiian vs. Samoan

Hawaiian vs. Samoan

January 31, 2024

Hawaiian refers to things related to Hawaii, a U.S. state, while Samoan pertains to Samoa, an independent nation in the Pacific.

Pokemon Firered vs. Pokemon Leafgreen

Pokemon Firered vs. Pokemon Leafgreen

February 15, 2024

Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen are remakes of the original Pokemon games, with FireRed offering exclusive Pokemon like Growlithe and LeafGreen featuring Pokemon like Vulpix, plus minor story and area differences.

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

February 8, 2024

The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.

Otto Insurance vs. GEICO

Otto Insurance vs. GEICO

December 28, 2024

Otto Insurance is a digital insurance platform, while GEICO is a well-established auto insurer known for direct-to-consumer sales.

Fl. Oz. vs. Oz.

Fl. Oz. vs. Oz.

March 3, 2024

Fl. oz. measures volume, used for liquids (e.g., water, milk), while oz. measures weight, for solids or overall mass (e.g., cheese, gold).

Million vs. Billion

Million vs. Billion

February 29, 2024

A million is 1,000,000, while a billion is 1,000,000,000; a billion is a thousand times larger than a million.

Stuck vs. Stock

Stuck vs. Stock

June 18, 2024

"Stuck" refers to being unable to move or progress, while "stock" primarily denotes inventory or shares in a company, highlighting distinct usage contexts.

Private in C++ vs. Protected in C++

Private in C++ vs. Protected in C++

December 25, 2024

In C++, private members are accessible only within the same class, whereas protected members are accessible in the class and its subclasses.

Featured Comparisons

Coyote vs. Jackal

Coyote vs. Jackal

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Fate vs. Destiny

Fate vs. Destiny

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy