What is the Difference Between Transcription and Translation in DNA?

Transcription and translation are essential processes in the flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins. While they share similarities, there are key differences between the two processes:

Purpose: Transcription is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, while translation is the synthesis of a protein from an mRNA template.
Template: In transcription, DNA is the template for the synthesis of RNA, while in translation, mRNA is the template for the synthesis of proteins.
End Product: Transcription results in the production of RNA, whereas translation leads to the synthesis of proteins.
Location: Transcription takes place in the nucleus or cytoplasm of cells, while translation occurs in the cytoplasm.
Components: The components involved in transcription include DNA, RNA polymerase core enzyme, and the σ subunit. In contrast, translation involves mRNA, small and large ribosomal subunits, initiation factors, elongation factors, and tRNA.
Mechanism: In transcription, RNA polymerase moves over the template strand of DNA, while in translation, the ribosome-tRNA complex moves over the mRNA strand.

Both transcription and translation are crucial for the proper functioning of cells and the synthesis of proteins, which are essential for various cellular functions.

On this page

What is the Difference Between Transcription and Translation in DNA?

Comparative Table: Transcription vs Translation in DNA

Here is a table comparing the differences between transcription and translation in DNA:

Feature	Transcription	Translation
End Product	RNA (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, and non-coding RNA like microRNA)	Protein
Location	Nucleus (eukaryotes) and cytoplasm (prokaryotes)	Cytoplasm (prokaryotes) and ribosomes (eukaryotes)
Controlling Factor	RNA polymerase	Ribosomes
Template	DNA	mRNA
Action	RNA polymerase reacts with DNA template strand	Ribosome complex interacts with mRNA strand
Purpose	Synthesis of RNA sequences	Synthesis of proteins
Synthesis of	RNA sequences	Proteins
Site	Nucleus of eukaryotes and cytoplasm of prokaryotes	Cytoplasm of prokaryotes and ribosomes on the endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotes
Initiation	RNA polymerase binding to the promoter region in the DNA	The binding of mRNA initiates the translation to the ribosomes
Elongation	The elongation of RNA sequences occurs by the binding of complementary base pairs to the new	The elongation of protein occurs by the binding of amino acids
Product Processing	A 5’ cap is added, a 3’ poly A tail is added, and introns are spliced out	A number of post-translational modifications occur

Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, while translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from an mRNA template. Both processes are essential for the flow of genetic information from genes in DNA to proteins, but they have distinct differences in their components, locations, and purposes.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.