Transcription takes place in different locations depending on the type of cell:
- In eukaryotic cells, transcription occurs in the nucleus where the DNA is located. This is because the DNA template needed for transcription is housed in the nucleus. After transcription, the mRNA produced leaves the nucleus to be translated in the cytoplasm
- In prokaryotic cells (such as bacteria), transcription occurs in the cytoplasm since these cells lack a nucleus. In bacteria, transcription and translation can even occur simultaneously in the cytoplasm
Thus, transcription occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes.
