Answer and Explanation:
The process of Translation and Transcription are two fundamental processes involved in gene expression, which is the process by which genetic information is used to create functional products such as proteins. Here's a brief explanation of the difference between these two processes:
1. Transcription:
Transcription is the first step in gene expression. It is the process by which genetic information encoded in DNA is copied into a complementary RNA molecule. The key steps in transcription are as follows:
- RNA Polymerase binds to a specific region of DNA called the promoter.
- The DNA strand is unwound and separated.
- RNA Polymerase synthesizes a complementary RNA molecule using one of the DNA strands as a template.
- The newly synthesized RNA molecule is called messenger RNA (mRNA).
Example: Let's say there is a DNA sequence that codes for a protein. During transcription, the DNA is transcribed into mRNA. For example, if the DNA sequence is ATCG, the complementary mRNA sequence would be UAGC.
2. Translation:
Translation is the second step in gene expression, following transcription. It is the process by which the mRNA molecule synthesized during transcription is used to synthesize a protein. The key steps in translation are as follows:
- The mRNA binds to a ribosome, which acts as the site for protein synthesis.
- Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, each carrying a specific amino acid, recognize and bind to the mRNA through their complementary anticodon sequences.
- As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, tRNAs bring in amino acids and add them to the growing protein chain.
- The amino acids are joined together through peptide bonds to form a polypeptide chain, which folds into a functional protein.
Example: Using the mRNA sequence UAGC obtained from transcription, during translation, tRNA molecules bring in specific amino acids based on their anticodon sequences. The amino acids are added to the growing protein chain, following the genetic code specified by the mRNA sequence.
In summary, transcription involves copying genetic information from DNA to mRNA, while translation uses the mRNA sequence to synthesize a protein. Transcription occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, while translation occurs in the cytoplasm at the ribosomes. These two processes work together to convert genetic information into functional proteins.