What is the Difference Between Protein Synthesis in Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic?

The main differences between protein synthesis in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms are as follows:

1. mRNA Structure: In prokaryotes, mRNA is polycistronic, meaning it may carry several genes that are translated into multiple proteins. In contrast, eukaryotic mRNA is monocistronic, carrying only a single gene that is translated into a single protein.
2. Transcription and Translation: Prokaryotic protein synthesis occurs simultaneously with transcription, while eukaryotic protein synthesis takes place after the transcription of the mRNA molecule is completed.
3. Translation Initiation: Eukaryotic translation initiation is cap-dependent, while prokaryotic translation initiation is cap-independent and can be cap-dependent.
4. mRNA Stability: mRNA in eukaryotes is more stable compared to prokaryotes, with a lifespan ranging from a few hours to days, while prokaryotic mRNA typically lasts for only a few seconds to 2 minutes.
5. Ribosomes: Prokaryotic translation occurs on 70S ribosomes, while eukaryotic translation occurs on 80S ribosomes.
6. Synthesis Speed: Prokaryotic protein synthesis is generally faster than eukaryotic protein synthesis, as it can begin even before the transcription of the mRNA molecule is completed.
7. Translation Phase: Prokaryotic protein synthesis does not have a definite phase, while eukaryotic protein synthesis occurs during the G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle.

Comparative Table: Protein Synthesis in Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic

The main differences between protein synthesis in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells can be summarized in the following table:

In summary, prokaryotic protein synthesis occurs in the cytoplasm, involves polycistronic mRNA, and begins before mRNA transcription is completed. In contrast, eukaryotic protein synthesis occurs in the cytoplasm and rough endoplasmic reticulum, involves monocistronic mRNA, and has a discontinuous translation and transcription process.