Unlike eukaryotes prokaryotes do not contain a system of internal membranes. Any organelles, proteins, and genetic material are free - floating within the cytosol. Select the description below that correctly identifies how protein synthesis differs in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as a result of eukaryotic compartmentalization. A. RNA processing occurs outside of the nuclear membrane in prokaryotes and inside it in eukaryotes.

B. Translation can occur before transcription in a prokaryote but not in a eukaryote.

C. Transcription and translation can occur simultaneously in a prokaryote but not in a eukaryote.

D. Ribosomes are needed for translation of mRNA in eukaryotes, but they are not needed in prokaryotes.

The difference in protein synthesis in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, due to the compartmentalization of the latter, is that transcription and translation can occur simultaneously in a prokaryote but not in a eukaryote (option C).

Explanation:

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by a true nucleus, surrounded by a nuclear membrane. Since transcription occurs in the nucleus and translation for protein synthesis occurs in the cytoplasm, the former process occurs before the latter.

In prokaryotic cells the absence of a nucleus and compartmentalization system makes it possible for transcription of DNA into RNA and translation to occur simultaneously.

The other options are not correct because:

    A. RNA processing, in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, occurs in the cytoplasm.

    B. Transcription precedes translation in all organisms.

    D. Ribosomes are present and are necessary for protein synthesis in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.