What are the differences between transcription and replication?

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Transcription and replication are basic genetic processes that are integral to cell growth and division. Both processes involve the creation of a new molecule of nucleic acids - either DNA or RNA. However, they are both distinctly different from each other.

Basis for comparison
Transcription
Replication

Definition
Involves synthesis of RNA using DNA as a template
Involves making new copies of DNA

Significance
Is necessary for regulating gene expression
Is necessary for regulating growth and division of cells

Transfer of Genetic Material
Transfer of genetic material takes place from DNA to RNA
Transfer of genetic material takes place from DNA to DNA

Occurrence phase and motive
Occurs in the G1 and G2 phases of cell cycle in preparation for protein translation
Occurs in the S phase of cell cycle in preparation for cell division

Site of occurrence
Occurs along a single DNA strand
Occurs along both DNA strands

Initiation requirement
Does not require any primer for initiation
Requires RNA primer to initiate replication

Enzymes
Enzymes required &ndash; RNA Polymerase and Transcriptase
DNA Helicase, DNA Polymerase

Copying of template
Only selected individual genes are copied or transcribed
Whole genome is copied in its entirety

Products created
Produces single-stranded mRNA, tRNA, rRNA and non-coding RNA
Produces two double-stranded daughter DNA

Migration and degradation of products created
Greater part of the product passes from nucleus into the cytoplasm &ndash; products are degraded after their function is complete
Products remain within nucleus and are not degraded

Basis for comparison	Transcription	Replication
Definition	Involves synthesis of RNA using DNA as a template	Involves making new copies of DNA
Significance	Is necessary for regulating gene expression	Is necessary for regulating growth and division of cells
Transfer of Genetic Material	Transfer of genetic material takes place from DNA to RNA	Transfer of genetic material takes place from DNA to DNA
Occurrence phase and motive	Occurs in the G1 and G2 phases of cell cycle in preparation for protein translation	Occurs in the S phase of cell cycle in preparation for cell division
Site of occurrence	Occurs along a single DNA strand	Occurs along both DNA strands
Initiation requirement	Does not require any primer for initiation	Requires RNA primer to initiate replication
Enzymes	Enzymes required – RNA Polymerase and Transcriptase	DNA Helicase, DNA Polymerase
Copying of template	Only selected individual genes are copied or transcribed	Whole genome is copied in its entirety
Products created	Produces single-stranded mRNA, tRNA, rRNA and non-coding RNA	Produces two double-stranded daughter DNA
Migration and degradation of products created	Greater part of the product passes from nucleus into the cytoplasm – products are degraded after their function is complete	Products remain within nucleus and are not degraded

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