Transcription and Translation · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following accurately reflects a difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene expression?

  1. Eukaryotes often produce polycistronic mRNA, prokaryotes produce monocistronic
  2. Prokaryotic mRNA is capped and polyadenylated, eukaryotic mRNA is not
  3. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in nucleus; in prokaryotes, in cytoplasm
  4. Translation precedes transcription in prokaryotes
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Correct answer: In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in nucleus; in prokaryotes, in cytoplasm

Eukaryotic transcription occurs in the nucleus whereas prokaryotes lack a nucleus so transcription and translation occur in the cytoplasm.

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