Translation in prokaryotes occurs in the cytoplasm, where ribosomes freely float and synthesize proteins directly from messenger RNA (mRNA)
. Unlike eukaryotes, prokaryotes do not have a nucleus or endoplasmic reticulum, so transcription and translation happen simultaneously in the cytoplasm, allowing ribosomes to begin translating mRNA even while it is still being transcribed from DNA
. Key points about translation location in prokaryotes:
- Translation takes place in the cytoplasm, as prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles like the nucleus and rough endoplasmic reticulum
- Ribosomes bind to mRNA near the Shine-Dalgarno sequence in the cytoplasm to initiate translation
- Transcription and translation are coupled processes occurring concurrently in the cytoplasm, enabling rapid protein synthesis
Thus, the cytoplasm is the site of translation in prokaryotic cells.
