Translation

Question 1

Translation occurs at the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. During translation, amino acids are joined together to make a polypeptide chain (protein), following the sequence of codons carried by the mRNA. What is the FIRST stage of translation?

Answer 1

1. The mRNA attaches itself to a ribosome and transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carry amino acids to the ribosome.

Question 2

What is the SECOND stage of translation?

Answer 2

2. A tRNA molecule, with an anticodon that’s complementary to the start codon on the mRNA, attaches itself to the mRNA by complementary base pairing.

Question 3

What is the THIRD stage of translation?

Answer 3

3. A second tRNA molecule attaches itself to the next codon on the mRNA in the same way.

Question 4

What is the FOURTH stage of translation?

Answer 4

4. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in the ribosome catalyses the formation of a peptide bond between the two amino acids attached to the tRNA molecules. This joins the amino acids together. The first tRNA molecule moves away, leaving its amino acid behind.

Question 5

What is the FIFTH stage of translation?

Answer 5

5. A third tRNA molecule binds to the next codon on the mRNA. Its amino acid binds to the first two and the second tRNA molecule moves away.

Question 6

What is the SIXTH stage of translation?

Answer 6

6. This process continues, producing a chain of linked amino acids (a polypeptide chain), until there’s a stop codon on the mRNA molecule.

Question 7

What is the SEVENTH stage of translation?

Answer 7

7. The polypeptide chain moves away from the ribosome and translation is complete.