Bacterial and eukaryotic gene transcripts can differ—in the transcripts themselves, in whether the transcripts are modified before translation, and in how the transcripts are modified. For each of these three areas of contrast, describe what the differences are and why the differences exist.
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
10. Transcription
Transcription in Prokaryotes
Problem 16a
Textbook Question
The segment of the bacterial TrpA gene involved in intrinsic termination of transcription is the following:
3'-TGGGTCGGGGCGGATTACTGCCCCGAAAAAAAACTTG-5'
5'-ACCCAGCCCCGCCTAATGACGGGGCTTTTTTTTGAAC-3' Draw the mRNA structure that forms during transcription of this segment of the TrpA gene.

1
Identify the template strand for transcription. In this case, the template strand is the 3'-5' strand (3'-TGGGTCGGGGCGGATTACTGCCCCGAAAAAAAACTTG-5'). The RNA polymerase will use this strand to synthesize the complementary mRNA strand.
Transcribe the mRNA sequence by pairing complementary RNA nucleotides to the template strand. Replace thymine (T) in the DNA with uracil (U) in the RNA. For example, A pairs with U, T pairs with A, G pairs with C, and C pairs with G.
Determine the sequence of the mRNA. The resulting mRNA sequence will be complementary to the template strand and will run in the 5'-3' direction. For example, the first few bases of the mRNA will be 5'-ACCCAGCCCCGC...-3'.
Analyze the mRNA sequence for the intrinsic termination signal. Intrinsic termination in bacteria often involves a GC-rich region followed by a series of uracil (U) residues. The GC-rich region forms a hairpin loop structure, and the U-rich region causes the RNA polymerase to dissociate.
Draw the mRNA structure. Represent the GC-rich region as a hairpin loop, with complementary base pairing between the GC-rich sequences. Follow this with a single-stranded U-rich tail to complete the intrinsic termination structure.

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
5mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Transcription
Transcription is the process by which the genetic information encoded in DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to the DNA at the promoter region and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand using one of the DNA strands as a template. This process is crucial for gene expression, as it allows the information in genes to be translated into proteins.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Eukaryotic Transcription
mRNA Structure
mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a single-stranded nucleic acid that carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. The structure of mRNA includes a 5' cap, a coding region that corresponds to the gene, and a poly-A tail at the 3' end. Understanding the mRNA structure is essential for visualizing how the genetic code is translated into functional proteins.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Ribosome Structure
Intrinsic Termination
Intrinsic termination is a mechanism that signals the end of transcription in prokaryotes, such as bacteria. It occurs when a specific sequence in the newly synthesized RNA forms a stable hairpin structure followed by a series of uracil (U) nucleotides, causing RNA polymerase to dissociate from the DNA. This process is vital for ensuring that transcription stops at the correct location, preventing the production of unnecessary RNA.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Translation Termination
Watch next
Master Prokaryotic Transcription with a bite sized video explanation from Kylia
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
430
views