What is the difference between transcription and translation? Don’t worry we will explain you both the terms in detail with the differences between them by our article.
Transcription and Translation are very common terms in Biology. Transcription is the first step of gene expression process and it is the synthesis from RNA from DNA where the code in DNA is converted into complementary RNA code. Translation is the synthesis of protein from mRNA.
Now to understand the whole process better, the terms are individually defined in detail below.
Transcription
Transcription is the first step of gene expression process in which synthesis of the genetic instructions written in the genome. Transcription occurs in the nucleus. The enzymes responsible for transcription are transcriptase and RNA polymerase. It occurs in the G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle.
Transcription comprises the unwinding and splitting of those genes which are to be transcribed. Transcribed RNA strand gets separated from its DNA template strand. The product move from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and no primer is required and gets degraded after their function is completed. It results in the formation of the RNA molecule from a section of one strand which includes tRNA, rRNA, mRNA and non-coding RNA.
Translation
Translation synthesis the proteins, that are used for millions of cellular functions. Translation is the second step of the gene expression process. It synthesizes proteins from RNA which are copied from genes. A template is an mRNA. It occurs in the cytoplasm. The enzymes responsible for the process are ribosomes.
Translation occurs when ribosome sub-units, initiation factors, and t-RNA bind the mRNA near the AUG start codon and finally produces proteins. Translation is inhibited by anisomycin, cycloheximide, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, streptomycin, erythromycin and puromycin.
Now, look at the difference between transcription and translation for complete knowledge.
Purpose
The purpose of transcription is to make RNA copies of individual genes that the cell can use in the biochemistry while the purpose of translation is to synthesize proteins which are used for cellular functions.
Occurrence
Transcription occurs in the nucleus while translation occurs in the cytoplasm.
Enzyme
The enzymes responsible for the transcription are transcriptase and RNA polymerase and enzymes responsible for the translation process are ribosomes.
Template
Template in transcription is the genes in the genome whereas the template in translation is the mRNA.
Primer
Primer is not required in transcription while in translation primer is required.