In eukaryotic cells, the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, known as transcription, occurs within the nucleus. This compartmentalization separates the genetic material from the protein synthesis machinery. Conversely, translation, the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA, takes place in the cytoplasm, specifically on ribosomes. In prokaryotic cells, both processes occur in the cytoplasm due to the absence of a nucleus.
This spatial separation in eukaryotes allows for greater regulation of gene expression. The nuclear envelope provides a physical barrier, enabling RNA processing events, such as splicing, to occur before the mRNA molecule is exported to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. This compartmentalization contributes to the complexity and precision of gene regulation in eukaryotic organisms.
