Last Updated on July 8, 2020 by Sagar Aryal

Differences between DNA Replication and Transcription

DNA replication and transcription are fundamental genetic processes that are essential for cell growth and division. 

Both DNA replication and transcription processes involve the generation of a new molecule of nucleic acids, either DNA or RNA; however, the function of each process is very different, with one involved in gene expression and the other involved in cell division.

Here are some differences:

S.N.	Character	DNA Replication	Transcription
1.	Definition	DNA replication is the process of making new copies of DNA.	Transcription is the process by which DNA is copied (transcribed) to RNA.
2.	Significance	DNA replication is important for properly regulating the growth and division of cells.	Transcription of DNA is the method for regulating gene expression.
3.	Transfer of Genetic Information	From DNA to DNA	From DNA to RNA
4.	Occurs during	S phase of cell cycle.	Occurs in the G1 and G2 phases of cell cycle.
5.	Motive	Occurs in preparation for cell division.	Occurs in preparation for protein translation.
6.	Involved in	Cell division	Gene expression
7.	Raw Materials	dATP, dGTP, dTTP and dCTP serve as raw materials.	ATP, UTP, GTP and CTP serve as raw materials.
8.	Template	Both DNA strands	Single DNA strand
9.	Primers	Requires RNA primer to start replication.	No primer is required for initiation.
10.	Enzymes Required	DNA Helicase, DNA Polymerase	Transcriptase (type of DNA Helicase), RNA polymerase
11.	Unwinding and Splitting	It involves unwinding and splitting of the entire DNA molecule.	It involves unwinding and splitting of only those genes which are to be transcribed.
12.	Base pairing	Adenine pairs with thymine.	Adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine.
13.	Copying of Template	The entire template strand is copied.	Only the portion of the template DNA that codes for required genes is transcribed, or copied.
14.	Product	Two daughter DNA	mRNA, tRNA, rRNA and non-coding RNA( like microRNA)
15.	Strands in product	Double stranded DNA	Single stranded RNA
16.	Post-formation	Joining of Okazaki fragments	RNA editing
17.	Processing	It produces normal DNA molecules that do not need any processing.	It produces primary RNA transcript molecule which needs processing to acquire final form and size.
18.	Bond	Replicated DNA strand remains hydrogen bonded to its template DNA strand.	Transcribed RNA strand separates from its DNA template strand.
19.	Migration from the site of formation	Products remain within nucleus.	Greater part of the product passes from nucleus into the cytoplasm.
20.	Degradation of Product formed	Products are not degraded.	Products are degraded after their function is over.
21.	Rate of Production	The rate of replication is typically 20 times faster than transcription and six or more replication forks may be present at the same time on the chromosome.	Comparatively slower.
22.	Process followed by	Transcription/ Next replication	Translation. Although some RNA are the final product themselves.
23.	Significance	Conserve the entire genome for next generation.	Necessary for protein synthesis.

References

1. https://microbiologyinfo.com/difference-replication-transcription/
2. http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/20630/InTechRelations_between_replication_and_transcription.pdf
3. https://sciencing.com/difference-between-transcription-dna-replication-9038.html
4. https://www.majordifferences.com/2013/10/difference-replication-vs-and.html
5. https://www.atdbio.com/content/14/Transcription-Translation-and-Replication
6. https://biodifferences.com/difference-between-replication-and-transcription.html

Differences between DNA Replication and Transcription