Is DNA to mRNA Transcription or Translation?
The question "Is DNA to mRNA transcription or translation?" is one of the most basic questions when learning about genetics. Although both transcription and translation are essential steps in gene expression, they describe distinct processes. So, to fully grasp their role in protein synthesis, it is important to understand the specifics and purpose of both. Keep on reading to learn more about:
- DNA transcription;
- mRNA translation; and
- Translation and protein synthesis.
Let's go back to the beginning of accessing the genetic information in our cells — transcription. So, is DNA to mRNA transcription or translation? Well, as the first step is the transcription of DNA into mRNA, we can conclude that transcription synthesizes a new mRNA strand from the DNA template. But what exactly happens during transcription?
Whenever our body needs to perform a specific task, this demand requires accessing genetic information stored inside the nucleus of the cell. This need initiates the process of creating the necessary proteins for that use. For instance, if we have an infection, our body receives the signal to produce proteins that activate our immune cells. This request leads to the transcription of the part of our DNA that encodes this particular protein.
This process requires the activity of RNA polymerase to separate the double-stranded DNA and build a complementary pre-mRNA strand, which is further processed to contain only coding DNA fragments and protected for transport. These modifications include 5' capping, splicing, and 3' poly-A tail addition, which results in mature mRNA.
💡 If you want to learn more about this process, you can read our article about How to Transcribe DNA to mRNA — Understanding the Genetic Code and use our DNA to mRNA converter.
Now that we have the mRNA strand, let us move on to the next step — translation.
Having copied the required DNA sequence to a much shorter and condensed mRNA fragment, this piece of genetic information can now go to the place where it dictates which type of protein is to be built. In other words, the mRNA sequence is translated into a unique chain of amino acids that forms a specific protein.
mRNA translation takes place at the ribosomes, where each triplet of genetic bases (which the mRNA fragment is made of) is linked to a specific amino acid by tRNA. After translation, the chain of amino acids is folded and finalized into a functioning protein.
If you want to learn more about translation and protein synthesis, you can read our article What Are the Steps of Protein Synthesis?
Knowing the purpose and main steps of both processes, let's sum up the differences so you won't have to wonder again whether DNA to mRNA is transcription or translation:
Transcription | Translation |
|---|---|
1st step of gene expression | 2nd step of gene expression |
DNA → mRNA | mRNA → protein |
Copying the required DNA fragment | Translating the genetic information into a protein |
In the nucleus | In the cytoplasm (at ribosomes) |
Mediated by RNA polymerase | Mediated by tRNA (amongst others) |
From DNA template (DNA transcription) | From mRNA template (mRNA translation) |
Results in mRNA | Results in amino acid sequence |
Yes, mRNA processing is part of transcription. At the end of transcribing DNA into pre-mRNA, it undergoes modifications like 5' capping, splicing, and 3' poly-A tail addition to become mature mRNA.
To answer the question is DNA to mRNA transcription or translation?, the answer is transcription.
Transcription is the first step of gene expression, where a complementary mRNA strand is built from the DNA template. Afterwards, the mRNA sequence is translated into amino acids during translation.
This article was written by Julia Kopczyńska and reviewed by Steven Wooding.