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What are the differences between transcription and replication?
Posted October 14, 2020
Answer
Transcription and replication are basic genetic processes that are integral to cell growth and division. Both processes involve the creation of a new molecule of nucleic acids - either DNA or RNA. However, they are both distinctly different from each other.
| Basis for comparison | Transcription | Replication |
| Definition | Involves synthesis of RNA using DNA as a template | Involves making new copies of DNA |
| Significance | Is necessary for regulating gene expression | Is necessary for regulating growth and division of cells |
| Transfer of Genetic Material | Transfer of genetic material takes place from DNA to RNA | Transfer of genetic material takes place from DNA to DNA |
| Occurrence phase and motive | Occurs in the G1 and G2 phases of cell cycle in preparation for protein translation | Occurs in the S phase of cell cycle in preparation for cell division |
| Site of occurrence | Occurs along a single DNA strand | Occurs along both DNA strands |
| Initiation requirement | Does not require any primer for initiation | Requires RNA primer to initiate replication |
| Enzymes | Enzymes required – RNA Polymerase and Transcriptase | DNA Helicase, DNA Polymerase |
| Copying of template | Only selected individual genes are copied or transcribed | Whole genome is copied in its entirety |
| Products created | Produces single-stranded mRNA, tRNA, rRNA and non-coding RNA | Produces two double-stranded daughter DNA |
| Migration and degradation of products created | Greater part of the product passes from nucleus into the cytoplasm – products are degraded after their function is complete | Products remain within nucleus and are not degraded |
Additional resources
What happens when replication and transcription complexes collide?