What is the first step in protein synthesis in bacteria?

The first step in protein synthesis in bacteria is the transcription of mRNA. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA) by the enzyme RNA polymerase. This process takes place in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells since they lack a defined nucleus. The mRNA synthesizes a complementary sequence based on the DNA template, which ultimately carries the genetic instructions necessary for building proteins.

Transcription is crucial because it serves as the bridge between the genetic code found in DNA and the synthesis of proteins, which are essential for cellular functions. Following transcription, the mRNA can then be translated into a protein at the ribosomes, but this translation process is contingent upon the prior successful transcription of the mRNA.

By starting with transcription, the cell ensures that it has the correct instructions available in the appropriate format to carry out the next phase, translation, where the ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the mRNA sequence.