What are the similarities and differences between transcription and translation?

[MitchelMcA]

I’m trying to understand how transcription and translation work in protein synthesis. Can someone explain how they are similar and what makes them different in terms of process and purpose?

 

[DeeReich70]

Here’s a clear comparison of transcription and translation:

Feature	Transcription	Translation
Definition	The process of copying DNA into mRNA.	The process of synthesizing a protein from mRNA.
Location	Nucleus (in eukaryotes)	Cytoplasm, at the ribosome
Template	DNA	mRNA
Product	mRNA strand	Polypeptide chain (protein)
Enzymes/Tools	RNA polymerase	Ribosomes, tRNA, amino acids
Purpose	To carry genetic information from DNA to ribosomes	To produce proteins based on mRNA instructions

Similarity: Both are essential steps of gene expression and involve the transfer of genetic information.