* Transcription: Occurs in the nucleus. The DNA within the nucleus serves as the template for creating messenger RNA (mRNA). This process is carried out by RNA polymerase.
* Translation: Occurs in the cytoplasm, specifically at the ribosomes. Ribosomes "read" the mRNA sequence and use it to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain, which will eventually fold into a protein.
Here's a simplified breakdown:
1. DNA in the nucleus contains the genetic code.
2. Transcription: This process creates a copy of the DNA sequence as mRNA.
3. mRNA leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm.
4. Translation: Ribosomes bind to the mRNA and use its sequence to build a protein.
This separation of transcription and translation is one of the key differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus, so both processes occur in the cytoplasm.
