8.2 - Translation

Question 1

Key steps of translation

Answer 1

1. The ribosome attaches to the mRNA strand at a start codon (AUG).
2. A tRNA molecule, carrying a specific amino acid and with an anticodon (UAC) that is complementary to the start codon, binds to the mRNA.
3. A second tRNA molecule with an anticodon complementary to the next mRNA codon, and also carrying a specific amino acid, attaches to mRNA.
4. The amino acids carried by the first two tRNA molecules are linked together via a peptide bond using ATP.
5. The first tRNA molecule detaches from mRNA and is free to collect another amino acid for future use.
6. The ribosome moves along mRNA, allowing another tRNA molecule, which carries the next amino acid, to bind to the next codon on mRNA.
7. The process from step 4 to 6 is repeated, which elongates the polypeptide chain.
8. At any point during this process, two tRNA molecules can be attached to the ribosome.
9. The sequence continues until the ribosome reaches a stop codon on mRNA.
10. The completed polypeptide chain detaches from the ribosome.

Question 2

What is translation the process of?

Answer 2

process of decoding the information in messenger RNA to synthesise a polypeptide chain with the use of tRNA - then folds into a functional protein

Question 3

Where does translation occur?

Answer 3

occurs in the cytoplasm, specifically on the ribosome in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells