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Multiple Choice
What is a key difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene expression?
A
In prokaryotes, proteins are assembled directly from DNA.
B
RNA polymerases are involved only in initiation of transcription in eukaryotes.
C
In eukaryotic cells, transcribed RNA sequences function as termination signals.
D
In prokaryotic cells, the RNA transcript is immediately available as mRNA without processing.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus and complex organelles.
Recognize that in prokaryotic cells, transcription and translation occur simultaneously in the cytoplasm because there is no nuclear membrane separating the two processes.
In eukaryotic cells, transcription occurs in the nucleus where the RNA transcript undergoes processing. This includes capping, polyadenylation, and splicing to become mature mRNA before it is transported to the cytoplasm for translation.
Identify that in prokaryotic cells, the RNA transcript does not undergo such processing and is immediately available as mRNA for translation.
Conclude that the key difference is that in prokaryotic cells, the RNA transcript is immediately available as mRNA without processing, unlike in eukaryotic cells where the RNA must be processed before it can be translated.