Transcription and translation occur simultaneously in which microorganisms?

• A. Eukaryotes
• B. Prokaryotes
• C. Both
• D. None

Answer: (B)

In prokaryotes, transcription and translation can happen at the same time. There is no nuclear envelope to separate the mRNA being made from ribosomes that translate it, so as soon as an mRNA transcript begins to form, ribosomes can bind and start protein synthesis right away. This rapid coupling is common in bacteria and other prokaryotes.

In contrast, eukaryotes keep transcription inside the nucleus and translation in the cytoplasm. The initial RNA transcript must be processed (capping, splicing, polyadenylation) and exported to the cytoplasm before ribosomes can translate it, so transcription and translation do not occur simultaneously.

Thus, this simultaneous coupling is a hallmark of prokaryotic microorganisms.