Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 30: Problem 8

Why do you suppose eukaryotic protein synthesis is only \(10 \%\) as fast as prokaryotic protein synthesis?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Protein synthesis in eukaryotes is slower because they have a more complex cellular structure, including a nucleus where the DNA is enclosed. This necessitates the mRNA to travel further and go through processing before it can be translated into a protein. In contrast, prokaryotes have less complex structures, lack a nucleus and hence have less distance for mRNA to travel allowing for simultaneous transcription and translation which speeds up the process.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells

First, know that prokaryotes are organisms that lack a cell nucleus or any other membrane-bound organelles. This includes bacteria and archaea. On the other hand, eukaryotes are organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within a nuclear envelope, including animals, plants, and fungi.
02

Identify the Protein Synthesis Processes

Understand that the process of protein synthesis in both kinds of cells occur in two stages: Transcription (where the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA)) and Translation (where the mRNA is decoded to produce a specific protein molecule).
03

The Speed of Protein Synthesis

Realize that protein synthesis in prokaryotic cells is faster due to the absence of a nucleus, allowing for simultaneous transcription and translation as the mRNA does not have to travel as far. Prokaryotes also lack the introns present in Eukaryotes that need to be spliced out for maturation of mRNA which is a time consuming process.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Eukaryotic ribosomes are larger and more complex than prokaryotic ribosomes. What advantages and disadvantages might this greater ribosomal complexity bring to a eukaryotic cell?

Review the evidence establishing that aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases bridge the information gap between amino acids and codons. Indicate the various levels of specificity possessed by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that are essential for high-fidelity translation of messenger RNA molecules.

How do prokaryotic cells determine whether a particular methionyltRNA \(^{\text {Met }}\) is intended to initiate protein synthesis or to deliver a Met residue for internal incorporation into a polypeptide chain? How do the Met codons for these two different purposes differ? How do eukaryotic cells handle these problems?

In the protein synthesis elongation events described under the section on translocation, which of the following seems the most apt account of the peptidyl transfer reaction: (a) The peptidyl-tRNA delivers its peptide chain to the newly arrived aminoacyl-tRNA situated in the A site, or (b) the aminoacyl end of the aminoacyl-tRNA moves toward the \(P\) site to accept the peptidyl chain? Which of these two scenarios makes more sense to you? Why?

What is the Shine-Dalgarno sequence? What does it do? The efficiency of protein synthesis initiation may vary by as much as 100 -fold for different mRNAs. How might the Shine-Dalgarno sequence be responsible for this difference?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free