What is the Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic mRNA?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic mRNA are as follows:
- Structure: Prokaryotic mRNA is polycistronic, meaning it can code for multiple proteins, while eukaryotic mRNA is monocistronic, meaning it codes for only one protein.
- Transcription: In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus, whereas in prokaryotes, transcription takes place in the cytoplasm.
- Transcription Factors: Eukaryotes use transcription factor proteins in transcription, while prokaryotes use sigma factors.
- Ribosome Binding: Prokaryotic mRNA has a Shine-Dalgarno sequence for ribosome binding, while eukaryotic mRNA has a 5' cap and poly-A tail for protection and ribosome binding.
- First Amino Acid: The first amino acid in prokaryotic mRNA is formylmethionine, while in eukaryotic mRNA, it is methionine.
- Lifespan: Prokaryotic mRNA has a shorter lifespan, while eukaryotic mRNA has a longer lifespan.
In summary, prokaryotic and eukaryotic mRNA differ in their structure, transcription process, ribosome binding, first amino acid, and lifespan.
Comparative Table: Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic mRNA
Here is a table comparing the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic mRNA:
Feature | Prokaryotic mRNA | Eukaryotic mRNA |
---|---|---|
Structure | Polycistronic | Monocistronic |
Translation | Synchronous | Asynchronous |
mRNA Location | Cytoplasm | Nucleus |
Cap Initiation | Cap-dependent | Cap-independent |
Stability | Unstable | Stable |
Lifespan | A few seconds to 2 minutes | A few hours to days |
Occurrence | No definite phase | G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle |
Ribosomes | 70S | 80S |
Structure: Prokaryotic mRNA is often polycistronic, meaning multiple genes are transcribed into a single mRNA molecule. In contrast, eukaryotic mRNA is monocistronic, with each mRNA molecule encoding for a single gene.
Translation: In prokaryotes, translation and transcription occur almost simultaneously, making the process synchronous. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs prior to translation, with translation taking place in the cytoplasm, making the process asynchronous.
Location: Prokaryotic mRNA is found in the cytoplasm, while eukaryotic mRNA is found in the nucleus.
Cap Initiation: Prokaryotic mRNA is cap-dependent, while eukaryotic mRNA is both cap-dependent and cap-independent.
Stability: Prokaryotic mRNA is unstable, with a lifespan of a few seconds to 2 minutes. Eukaryotic mRNA is more stable, with a lifespan of a few hours to days.
Occurrence: Prokaryotic translation occurs throughout the cell's life cycle, while eukaryotic translation occurs during the G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle.
Ribosomes: Prokaryotic ribosomes have a 70S subunit size, while eukaryotic ribosomes have an 80S subunit size.
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Translation
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Transcription
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Translation Initiation
- Protein Synthesis in Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Ribosomes
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic DNA
- Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic
- Gene Expression in Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic RNA Polymerase
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Genome
- Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic Promoters
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic DNA Replication
- Genetic Material of Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
- Eukaryotic Cells vs Prokaryotic Cells
- mRNA vs tRNA
- rRNA vs mRNA
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cell Division
- RNA vs mRNA
- pre-mRNA vs mRNA