In prokaryotic cells, both transcription and translation occur in the cytoplasm.

Here's why:

* No Nucleus: Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus. This means their DNA is located directly in the cytoplasm, making it accessible for both processes.

* Coupled Processes: Transcription and translation are coupled in prokaryotes, meaning they happen simultaneously. This is possible because both processes occur in the same location. As soon as mRNA is transcribed, ribosomes can attach to it and start translating it into proteins.

This contrasts with eukaryotic cells where transcription occurs in the nucleus and translation occurs in the cytoplasm.