Translation Flashcards
Chapter 3 Lesson 4 (7 cards)
How does the ribosome relate to Translation?
The ribosome is a two-part structure (large and small subunits) that reads mRNA and builds proteins. It’s the site of translation, assembling amino acids into a chain based on the mRNA code.
Describe how translation is initiated
The ribosome binds to the mRNA’s 5’ cap and scans for the start codon (AUG). The tRNA carrying methionine (Start) binds to the P site to begin protein synthesis.
How does a tRNA deliver the amino acid to the ribosome?
tRNA has an anticodon that matches the mRNA codon and carries the correct amino acid on the acceptor site.
How does elongation begin?
when a second tRNA enters the A site, and a peptide bond forms between its amino acid and the first one (methionine). The ribosome then shifts one codon.
How does an amino acid go from tRNA to the polypeptide chain?
A peptide bond forms between the amino acid in the P site and the one in the A site.
How does translation stop?
A stop codon is reached. No tRNA matches it, so a release factor binds instead, causing the ribosome to release the polypeptide chain.
What happens next for the peptide chain?
The protein enters the endoplasmic reticulum to be folded and modified into its final structure (primary, secondary, tertiary, and possibly quaternary)
