Translation
- Translation occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell
- After leaving the nucleus via a nuclear pore, the mRNA molecule attaches to a ribosome
- Ribosomes consist of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
- rRNA is a stable molecule that allows mRNA to attach to the ribosome and is aligned correctly ready for the synthesis of the polypeptide chain
- In the cytoplasm, there are free molecules of tRNA (transfer RNA)
- These tRNA molecules have a triplet of unpaired bases at one end (known as the anticodon) and a region where a specific amino acid can attach at the other
- There are about 20 different tRNA molecules, each with a specific anticodon and specific amino acid binding site
- The tRNA molecules bind with their specific amino acids (also in the cytoplasm) and bring them to the mRNA molecule on the ribosome
- The triplet of bases (anticodon) on each tRNA molecule pairs with a complementary triplet (codon) on the mRNA molecule
- Two tRNA molecules fit onto the ribosome at any one time, bringing the amino acid they are each carrying side by side
- A peptide bond is then formed (via a condensation reaction) between the two amino acids
- This reaction is catalysed by the rRNA subunits of the ribosome
- This process continues until a ‘stop’ codon on the mRNA molecule is reached – this acts as a signal for translation to stop and at this point the amino acid chain coded for by the mRNA molecule is complete
- The amino acid chain then forms the final polypeptide
The translation stage of protein synthesis – tRNA molecules bind with their specific amino acids
The translation stage of protein synthesis – an amino acid chain is formed
Examiner Tip
Make sure you learn both stages of protein synthesis fully. Don’t forget – transcription occurs in the nucleus but translation occurs in the cytoplasm!
