What is the difference between DNA transcription and translation?

DNA is used to code proteins. This requires two steps: transcription and translation.Transcription is the conversion of double stranded DNA into a single stranded mRNA molecule. DNA nucleotides bind to their complementary RNA nucleotides eg Cytosine binds Guanine and RNA polymerase completes the RNA molecule.The mRNA then is processed and migrates to the cytoplasm where translation occurs. In translation the nucleotides are read in triplets (the triplet code) by ribosomes to code amino acids. Additionally, some triplets encode ‘start’ or ‘stop’ codons which signal where translation of an mRNA molecule is to begin and end respectively.

RA
Answered by Rohin A. Biology tutor

4354 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a pathogen and what role do they have in causing disease?


What are the main differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?


Describe how the lac operon works when lactose is both present and absent.


Describe how a neurotransmitter, such as acetylcholine, is released from a brain cell.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning