Process of Translation

Question 1

Part 1

Answer 1

Translation is initiated by the start codon (AUG) on the mRNA strand.

Question 2

Part 2

Answer 2

Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules become attached to their specific amino acid molecules in the cytoplasm.

Question 3

Part 3

Answer 3

tRNA molecules transport specific amino acids to the ribosome.

Question 4

Part 4

Answer 4

The 1st tRNA molecule moves to the ribosome by means of base pairing between the anticodon on the tRNA and the complementary codon on the mRNA strand.

Question 5

Part 5

Answer 5

Another tRNA carries the next specific amino acid to the ribosome. Complementary base pairing between the anticodon and the codon brings the amino acids in line beside each other. A peptide bond forms between the amino acids.

Question 6

Part 6

Answer 6

The 1st tRNA molecule detaches from the mRNA and is free to collect another amino acid from the cytoplasm.

Question 7

Part 7

Answer 7

As translation proceeds the ribosome moves along the mRNA, exposing the next codon, allowing the next tRNA to bring the 3rd amino acid into position

Question 8

Part 8

Answer 8

This process continues until a stop codon (UGA,) is reached at the 3’ end of the mRNA and the newly formed polypeptide chain is complete