Basis of differentiation

Prokaryotic translation

Eukaryotic translation

Definition

The processes of transcription and translation occur simultaneously in the cytoplasm

Translation and transcription occur separately in cells, meaning they do not occur simultaneously

Stability

Unstable 

Stable

Ribosome subunits

30S and 50S 

40S and 60S

Release factors

RF1, RF2

eRF

Cap initiation

Does not use a cap

Is cap-dependent and cap-independent

Speed of process

Is comparatively faster

Is comparatively slower

Initiation factors

Requires 3 (IF1, IF2, and IF3)

Requires at least 12 initiation factors