In prokaryotes, replication and transcription take place in the cytoplasm.

Study for the UCF Biomedical Exit Exam. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

Multiple Choice

In prokaryotes, replication and transcription take place in the cytoplasm.

Explanation:
In prokaryotes, there is no membrane-bound nucleus, so the genetic material resides in the cytoplasm (in the nucleoid region). Because there’s no nuclear envelope, the enzymes that replicate DNA and transcribe RNA operate directly in the cytoplasm. This also allows translation to begin on the fresh mRNA even while it’s being transcribed, since there’s no separation between these processes. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are membrane-bound organelles found in certain eukaryotes and are not present in prokaryotes, and a nucleus is a feature of eukaryotic cells, not prokaryotic ones. Therefore, replication and transcription occur in the cytoplasm.

In prokaryotes, there is no membrane-bound nucleus, so the genetic material resides in the cytoplasm (in the nucleoid region). Because there’s no nuclear envelope, the enzymes that replicate DNA and transcribe RNA operate directly in the cytoplasm. This also allows translation to begin on the fresh mRNA even while it’s being transcribed, since there’s no separation between these processes. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are membrane-bound organelles found in certain eukaryotes and are not present in prokaryotes, and a nucleus is a feature of eukaryotic cells, not prokaryotic ones. Therefore, replication and transcription occur in the cytoplasm.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy