Final answer:
In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, newly synthesized polypeptides undergo additional modifications before becoming functional. In prokaryotes, translation can start as soon as transcription allows, while in eukaryotes, mRNA is processed before translation. Eukaryotic mRNA undergoes extensive processing, leading to longer half-life compared to prokaryotic mRNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the newly synthesized polypeptide requires additional modifications before it becomes functional.
In prokaryotes, translation of the polypeptide can begin as soon as transcription allows enough mRNA exposure for the binding of a ribosome. However, in eukaryotes, the mRNA is processed before it can be translated. Eukaryotic pre-mRNA undergoes extensive processing, such as the removal of noncoding introns and the addition of a modified 5' cap and poly-A tail, to produce a mature mRNA that can be transported to the cytoplasm and translated into a protein.
The additional steps involved in eukaryotic mRNA maturation create a molecule with a much longer half-life than a prokaryotic mRNA. Eukaryotic mRNAs last for several hours, whereas prokaryotic mRNAs typically last no more than a few seconds.