Question

choose all of the statements that are true regarding transcription and translation in prokaryotes.

check all that apply

prokaryotic mrnas often contain information from several genes in series.

prokaryotic mrna must be processed by excising introns before translation takes place.

transcription and translation can occur at the same time in prokaryotes.

transcription occurs in the nucleus of prokaryotes.

translation occurs in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes.

Explanation:

Evaluate mRNA structure and processing

• Prokaryotic mRNAs are often polycistronic, meaning they contain coding sequences for multiple genes in series (operons). This makes the first statement true.
• Prokaryotes lack introns and do not undergo splicing or post-transcriptional processing like eukaryotes. This makes the second statement false.

Evaluate cellular localization and timing

• Since prokaryotes lack a nucleus, transcription and translation both occur in the cytoplasm.
• Because there is no nuclear membrane separating these processes, translation can begin while transcription is still ongoing (coupled transcription and translation). This makes the third and fifth statements true.
• Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus, making the fourth statement false.

Answer:

• Prokaryotic mRNAs often contain information from several genes in series. (Correct answer)
• Prokaryotic mRNA must be processed by excising introns before translation takes place.
• Transcription and translation can occur at the same time in prokaryotes. (Correct answer)
• Transcription occurs in the nucleus of prokaryotes.
• Translation occurs in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes. (Correct answer)