Which of the following statements are true about protein synthesis in prokaryotes? a) translation can begin while transcription is still in progess. b) extensive rna processing is required before prokaryotic transcripts can be translated c) prokaryotic cells have complicated mechanisms for targeting proteins to the appropriate cellular organelles. d) only a and b are true. e) a, b, and c are true

The correct answer is: A) Translation can begin while transcription is still in progress.

In prokaryotic cells, transcription and translation are not separated, since there is no nucleus inside the prokaryotic cell. Thus, these two processes are coupled and occur simultaneously. This is different than gene expression in eukaryotic cell: transcription occurs in a membrane-enclosed nucleus together with processing of mRNA, which is then transported to the cytoplasm (through nuclear pores) where rhe process o translation occur.