Question

Select the correct statements regarding transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

1. Capping and tailing takes place in prokaryotes.
2. Splicing takes place only in eukaryotes.
3. Transcription takes place in the cytoplasm in prokaryotes.
4. Prokaryotes have introns.

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 2 and 4
• C. 2 and 3
• D. 3 and 4

Answer 1

The correct option is C 2 and 3

Transcription is the process of formation of RNA from DNA.

Transcription takes place in the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell, whereas the prokaryotic cell lacks a well-defined nucleus and the genetic material is found in the cytoplasm. Thus, transcription in prokaryotes takes place in the cytoplasm.

Transcription is different in eukaryotes as compared to prokaryotes as they have more complex cellular organisation. The primary transcript (hnRNA) formed after transcription in eukaryotes contains coding (exons) as well as non-coding (introns) sequences. The primary transcript of eukaryotes undergoes post-transcriptional changes namely,
• Capping - addition of methyl guanosine triphosphate to the 5’ end.
• Tailing - addition of adenylate residues at the 3’ end.
• Splicing - removal of introns and linking of the exons.

The introns are absent in prokaryotes and hence they do not show the above post-transcriptional changes.