When does transcription and translation occur in eukaryotes?

In eukaryotes, transcription and translation occur in distinct cellular locations and are separated by the modification of RNA. Transcription occurs in the nucleus, where the DNA is used as a template to synthesize messenger RNA (mRNA). Once the mRNA is synthesized, it undergoes several modifications before it can be translated into a protein. These modifications include capping, polyadenylation, and splicing, which convert the precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) into mature mRNA.

After these modifications are complete, the mature mRNA is transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where translation occurs. During translation, ribosomes read the mRNA sequence and synthesize the corresponding protein based on the genetic code. This process cannot take place until the mRNA has undergone its necessary modifications, thereby ensuring that only properly processed transcripts are used for protein synthesis. Thus, it is accurate to state that transcription occurs first, followed by RNA modification, and finally translation, aligning with the choice that specifies that transcription and translation happen after the RNA transcripts are modified.