In prokaryotic cells, transcription and translation occur almost simultaneously and there is no nucleus to separate them. Where, primarily, is gene expression regulated in these cells?
AMostly at the transcriptional level
BMostly at the post-translational level
CMostly at the epigenetic level
DMostly at the post-transcriptional level
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Mostly at the transcriptional level
1. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, so transcription and translation occur almost simultaneously in the cytoplasm.
2. When more protein is required, more transcription occurs, and when it is no longer needed, transcription stops.
3. As a result, the control of gene expression in prokaryotic cells is mostly at the transcriptional level.
4. Post-translational, epigenetic, and post-transcriptional control are levels described for eukaryotic cells, not the primary level used by prokaryotes.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 16 "Gene Expression", section 16.1 Regulation of Gene Expression_
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