8.5: Protein Synthesis - Translation

Question 1

What is the process of translation

Answer 1

1. A ribosome becomes attached to the starting codon at one end of the mRNA molecule
2. The tRNA molecule with the complementary anticodon sequence moves to the ribosome and pairs up with the codon on the mRNA. The tRNA carries a specific amino acid
3. A tRNA molecule with a complementary anticodon pairs with the next codon on the mRNA. This tRNA molecule carries another amino acid
4. The ribosome moves along the mRNA, bringing together two tRNA molecules at any one time, each pairing up with the corresponding two codons on the mRNA
5. The two amino acids on the tRNA are joined by a peptide bond using an enzyme and hydrolysed ATP