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AAT Bioquest

Is eukaryotic transcription the same as prokaryotic transcription?

Posted April 5, 2024


Answer

In eukaryotic cells, transcription is a complex process involving three distinct RNA polymerases: RNA polymerase I, II, and III (RNA pol I-III). Each polymerase has unique characteristics, as well as the types of RNA molecules they transcribe. RNA polymerase I is responsible for transcribing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. RNA polymerase II transcribes genes encoding messenger RNA (mRNA), which carry protein-coding information, as well as genes for small regulatory RNAs. RNA polymerase III transcribes genes that produce small RNAs, including transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and other small regulatory RNAs. Additionally, in eukaryotic cells, transcription occurs within the nucleus, while in prokaryotic cells, transcription happens in the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic transcription and translation are also separate processes. 

However, in prokaryotic cells, transcription and translation can happen simultaneously in the cytoplasm due to the absence of a nuclear membrane. In prokaryotes, a single type of RNA polymerase enzyme is responsible for transcribing all types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA). Thus, eukaryotic transcription is a much more complex process than prokaryotic transcription. 

Additional resources

RNA Transcription by RNA Polymerase: Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

DNA and RNA Quantitation

Portelite™ Fluorimetric RNA Quantitation Kit*Optimized for Cytocite™ and Qubit™ Fluorometers*