advantage of separation of nucleus and cytoplasm Flashcards
What is the main advantage of separating the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells?
The main advantage is that keeping the DNA in the nucleus helps safeguard the genetic material from potential damage that might occur in the cytoplasm.
How does separation of the nucleus and cytoplasm affect protein synthesis in eukaryotes?
In eukaryotes, translation of mRNA cannot begin until it has left the nucleus. This separation allows for post-transcriptional modifications to the mRNA before it is translated into protein.
What happens in prokaryotes regarding transcription and translation?
In prokaryotes, there is no nucleus, so the DNA and ribosomes are both located in the cytoplasm. This allows translation to begin immediately after transcription, as there is no compartmentalization.
What is the benefit of post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotic cells?
Post-transcriptional modification allows for further processing of the mRNA before translation, such as adding a 5’ cap, a poly-A tail, and splicing out introns, ensuring that only mature, functional mRNA is translated.
Why is the separation of transcription and translation important in eukaryotes?
The separation allows for greater regulation of gene expression, as it gives the cell time to modify the mRNA before it is translated into protein, offering more control over the production of proteins.