Transcription and Translation in Prokaryotes

In prokaryotes, the processes of transcription and translation occur simultaneously in the cytoplasm.

Prokaryotes use the same RNA polymerase to transcribe all of their genes. It can initiate transcription by itself.

The fifth subunit, σ, is involved only in transcription initiation. It recognizes the promoter.

This complex is called closed complex (RNA polymerase holoenzyme + promoter).

Transcription continues until termination signal is reached.

Termination signal is a G-C rich sequence, followed by a region rich in A nucleotides on DNA template.

Amino acids are being attached to their corresponding tRNA by an enzyme. The tRNA then is called charged tRNA.

mRNA is translated during transcription process.

Termination happens when a stop codon in the mRNA (UAA, UAG, or UGA) enters the A site.

Transcription occurs in nucleus and Translation occurs in cytoplasm.