Transcription takes place in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, where the DNA is located. This process involves copying a gene's DNA sequence to produce a complementary RNA molecule, primarily messenger RNA (mRNA). After transcription, the mRNA leaves the nucleus and moves to the cytoplasm for translation into protein
. In prokaryotic cells, which lack a nucleus, transcription occurs in the cytoplasm, where translation can also happen simultaneously
. Thus, the key point is that in eukaryotes, transcription occurs inside the nucleus, while in prokaryotes, it occurs in the cytoplasm.
