Question

Which explains a difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene reguation? A. Eukaryotes utilize operons, so they do not need to produce sections of mRNA. B. Prokaryotes process DNA in the nucleus, so genes do not need to be activated. C. Eukaryotes express all genes, so gene expression does not need to be regulated. D. Prokaryotes do not have mRNA, so they do not have processes to degrade mRNA.

Answer 1

Prokaryotic gene regulation primarily occurs at the transcriptional level with the use of operons, while eukaryotic gene regulation is more complex and occurs at multiple levels, including epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional stages due to the separation of transcription and translation processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

One key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation is the location and complexity of the processes involved. In prokaryotes, regulation occurs mainly at the level of transcription with the help of operons, repressors, and activators. For instance, genes that are needed together are often grouped in an operon, allowing them to be transcribed together under the control of a single promoter. Eukaryotes, however, have a more complex regulatory mechanism due to the compartmentalization of their cellular processes. Transcription in eukaryotic cells is separated from translation by the nuclear membrane, occurring in the nucleus, and then the mRNA is transported to the cytoplasm for translation. Regulation in eukaryotes can occur at multiple levels, including epigenetic regulation, transcriptional, post-transcriptional (such as mRNA processing and degradation), translational, and post-translational levels.

Answer 2

None of these statements is correct.

A. Eukaryotes utilize operons, so they do not need to produce sections of mRNA. This is not true, because prokaryotes utilize operons.

B. Prokaryotes process DNA in the nucleus, so genes do not need to be activated. This is not true because prokaryotes don’t have nucleus.

C. Eukaryotes express all genes, so gene expression does not need to be regulated. This is not true because eukaryotes express only certain genes, so, the regulation is high.

D. Prokaryotes do not have mRNA, so they do not have processes to degrade mRNA. This is not true because prokaryotes have mRNA.