1.
Definition
DNA replication is the process of making two daughter strands where each daughter strand contains half of the original DNA double helix.
Transcription is the process of synthesis of RNA using DNA as a template.
2.
Purpose
To conserve the entire genome for the next generation.
To make RNA copies of individual genes.
3.
Enzymes Required
DNA Helicase, DNA Polymerase
Transcriptase (a type of DNA Helicase), RNA polymerase
4.
Occurrence
Occurs in the S phase of the cell cycle.
Occurs in the G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle.
5.
Raw Materials
dATP, dGTP, dTTP and dCTP serve as raw materials.
ATP, UTP, GTP, and CTP serve as raw materials.
6.
Occurrence
Occurs along the strands of DNA.
Occurs along one strand of DNA.
7.
Occurrence
Occurs in preparation for cell division.
Occurs in preparation for protein translation.
8.
Bond
Replicated DNA strand remains hydrogen-bonded to its template DNA strand.
Transcribed RNA strand separates from its DNA template strand.
9.
Primers
It requires an RNA primer to start replication.
No primer is required to start.
10.
Products
Two Daughter Strands
mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, and non-coding RNA( like microRNA)
11.
Products
Products remain within the nucleus.
A greater part of the product passes from the nucleus into the cytoplasm.
12.
Products
Products are not degraded.
Products are degraded after their function of over.
13.
Copying
It involves copying the entire genome.
It involves the copying of certain individual genes only.
14.
Unwinding and Splitting
It involves unwinding and splitting the entire DNA molecule.
It involves unwinding and splitting of only those genes which are to be transcribed.
15.
Processing
It produces normal DNA molecules that do not need any processing.
It produces a primary RNA transcript molecule that needs processing to acquire the final form and size.
