Polypeptide Synthesis - Translation

Question 1

Describe translation

Answer 1

1. The mRNA attaches itself to a ribosome and tRNA molecules carry amino acids to it. (ATP provides the energy needed for the bond between the amino acid and the tRNA molecule)
2. A tRNA molecule carrying an amino acid, with an anticodon that’s complementary to the first codon on the mRNA, attaches itself to the mRNA by specific base pairing
3. A second tRNA molecule attaches student to the next codon on the mRNA in the same way
4. The two amino acids attached to the tRNA molecules are joined by a peptide bond. The first tRNA molecule moves away, leaving its amino acid behind.
5. A third tRNA molecule binds to the next codon on the mRNA. It’s amino acid binds to the first two and the second tRNA molecule moves away
6. This process continues, producing a chain of linked amino acids ( a polypeptide chain) until there a stop signal on the mRNA molecule
7. The polypeptide chain moves away from the ribosome and translation is complete

Question 2

What happens to the polypeptide?

Answer 2

Polypeptide is coiled or folded, producing its secondary structure

Secondary structure is folded, producing the tertiary structure

Different polypeptide chains, along with any non protein groups are linked to form the quaternary structure