What is the difference between transcription and translation?

Both transcription and translation are involved in protein synthesis, transferring the information stored as DNA to amino acids. Transcription is the first process of the two, it is the formation of mRNA from the genetic code. This is done because DNA is too big to leave the nucleus and travel to the ribosome, where protein synthesis occurs, whereas mRNA (this is messenger RNA) is small enough. Translation is the second process, here the mRNA is used to code for each amino acid. 3 bases are used to code for 1 amino acid. This happens at the ribosomes. The amino acids then bond to form the proteins. A tip to remember the order of the processes could be that transcription is first alphabetically.

Answered by Emily S. Biology tutor

3723 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do hormones affect the menstrual cycle?


Two parents are both carriers for a genetic condition which is recessive. What is the percentage chance they will have a child affected by the condition?


What are three organelles found in a plant cell not found in prokaryotic cells?


Humans have reflexes. Describe the route of an impulse through a reflex arc.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences