Question

The word transcribe means to write out. the word translate means to express in another language. Review the meanings of transcription and translation in genetics. How do the technical meanings of these words relate to the everyday meanings of the words?

Answer 1

In transcription, segments of DNA serve as templates to produce complementary RNA. The cell uses DNA to "write out" the mRNA message. In translation, ribosomes use the sequence of codons in mRNA to assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains. The decoding of the mRNA message into a protein is like taking the language of RNA and translating it into the language of proteins.

Answer 2

The two words that are commonly used in genetics mean almost the same with its English language description but the only difference is the DNA or genes involved in the process.

Transcription refers to the copying of a segment of DNA into the RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase, and is the very first step that occurs in gene expression.

Translation is where ribosomes within the cell's cytoplasm creates protein. This process occurs within the cell's nucleus after transcription. Decoding of RNA is decided through this process so that the cell knows how much or what type of amino acid chain or polypeptide should be produced by the cell.