Question

Read the statements given and choose the right option.
Statement 1: In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus.
Statement 2: In bacteria, transcription occurs in the cytoplasm.

• A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct
• B. Both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect
• C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect
• D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both statements 1 and 2 are correct

Transcription is copying genetic information from one strand of DNA into RNA.

There is no compartmentalisation found in prokaryotes (bacteria) as they do not have a well-defined nucleus (lack nuclear membrane) and membrane bound organelles.

The genomic DNA is present in the cytoplasm in prokaryotes. Hence, in prokaryotes, transcription takes place in the cytoplasm.

However, eukaryotes have a well-defined nucleus and membrane bound cell organelles. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus as the genomic DNA is present inside the nucleus. A pre-mRNA (also called heterogeneous nuclear RNA or hnRNA) molecule is formed.

The pre-mRNA is processed to produce the mature mRNA, which exits the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm. In cytoplasm, the information present in mRNA is used to synthesise proteins.