Oxo ABioQ 08uu xs01 Xxaann

8 DNA, genes, and protein synthesis
AQA Biology Stretch and challenge
Protein synthesis – the difference between

prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Specification references
• 3.4.2
Learning outcomes
After completing the worksheet you should be able to:
• compare protein synthesis in eukaryotes and prokaryotes
• explain how organisms regulate gene expression.
Introduction
Protein synthesis is a vital process for all living organisms. This worksheet looks at the
differences in this process between prokaryotic organisms and eukaryotic organisms. You will
be asked to assess the benefits of the different methods. You will also be presented with some
extra details of the process of protein synthesis.
Turning DNA into polypeptides

The process of protein synthesis has two main stages: transcription and translation.
Transcription is the process of making an mRNA copy of the DNA. Translation is the use of
mRNA and tRNA by ribosomes to synthesise a polypeptide chain. Although the processes are
similar in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, there are some important differences.
Transcription in eukaryotes is more complicated than in prokaryotes. By far the biggest issue is
that the mRNA formed must be transported out of the nucleus before it can be used by the
ribosomes. Because of this, mRNA molecules must be short so that they can travel through the
nuclear pores. Once in the cytoplasm, mRNA molecules can become degraded and broken
down. In eukaryotes the mRNA molecules are modified while still in the nucleus to prevent this.
The average lifespan of a eukaryotic mRNA molecule is 10 minutes.
In eukaryotes, some of the DNA does not code for polypeptides. Some of these non-coding
regions can be found within coding regions, breaking up the code. They are called introns.
These non-coding introns are transcribed into mRNA but must then be removed. This is also
done before the mRNA leaves the nucleus.
© Oxford University Press 2015 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements

This resource sheet may have been changed from the original 1
8 DNA, genes, and protein synthesis
AQA Biology Stretch and challenge
In prokaryotes, transcription occurs in the cytoplasm. This allows the mRNA molecules to be
longer. The mRNA in prokaryotes is less modified as there is no need to protect it from
degradation, as translation happens almost immediately. This means the average lifespan of a
prokaryotic mRNA molecule is only 2 minutes.
Translation is almost identical in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The biggest difference is in the
ribosomes. Eukaryotes have slightly bigger ribosomes but the structure is very similar.
Translation in prokaryotes can begin before the mRNA molecule has actually been finished,
with ribosomes working at one end and the transcription from DNA occurring at the other.
Owing to the length of the mRNA molecule, more than one ribosome can be translating the
mRNA at any one time. This combination of multiple ribosomes on the mRNA is called a
polysome.
Not all the genes on a piece of DNA may be needed by the organism at a particular time. Often
certain substances will not be made by an organism if they can get them from their
environment. To regulate the expression of certain genes, prokaryotes use a system by which
genes are organised into groups called operons. These are regulated by a gene that is
transcribed before the operon. This gene codes for a molecule that can block the transcription
of the operon under certain circumstances.
Questions
1 Summarise the differences between protein synthesis in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
2 How are prokaryotic ribosomes different from eukaryotic ribosomes?
3 Why does prokaryotic mRNA have a much shorter lifespan than eukaryotic mRNA?
4 Describe a polysome and explain how they are useful.
5 Why is it important that prokaryotic mRNA does not need any modification after it has been
formed?
6 Explain why introns must be removed from the mRNA before leaving the nucleus.
7 Suggest why organisms regulate their gene expression.
8 What is an operon? Explain why they are important to prokaryotes.
9 Explain how the position of an operon regulator gene affects whether the operon is
transcribed or not.
© Oxford University Press 2015 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements

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8 DNA, genes, and protein synthesis

AQA Biology Stretch and challenge

Protein synthesis – the difference between

Turning DNA into polypeptides

© Oxford University Press 2015 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements

© Oxford University Press 2015 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements

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