A gene that codes for a protein was removed from a eukaryotic cell and inserted into a prokaryotic cell. Although the gene was successfully transcribed, the protein translated from this transcript was different from the protein produced in the eukaryotic cell. What is the most likely explanation?

1. There are slight differences in the genetic code for prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

2. Unlike eukaryotes, which have three different RNA polymerases, prokaryotes have a single RNA polymerase.

3. Eukaryotic genes often contain introns while prokaryotic genes do not.

4. Eukaryotic transcripts have a 5' cap while prokaryotic transcripts do not.

Option (3).

Explanation:

The process of the transcription and translation is quite different in case of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Transcription and translation is couple together in prokaryotes whereas it takes place in separate compartment in case of eukaryotes.

The gene has been transferred from the eukaryotes to prokaryote but the protein produced is quite different. This might occur due to the presence of introns in the eukaryotes whereas prokaryotes do not have introns. In case of eukaryotes, the protein express after the splicing process but no splicing occurs in prokaryotes and give different product.

Thus, the correct answer is option (3).