Synthesis of Polypeptides
- Translation involves taking the genetic code from the mRNA and synthesising a polypeptide
- A polypeptide is a sequence of amino acids covalently bonded together
- The order of the amino acids is based on the information stored in the genetic code of the mRNA
- This stage of protein synthesis occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell
- The mRNA template comes from the process of transcription, and so translation always takes place following these events
- After transcription the mRNA moves out of the nuclear pore and diffuses into the cytoplasm towards the ribosome for translation
Examiner Tip
Make sure you learn both stages of protein synthesis fully. Don’t forget WHERE these reactions take place – transcription occurs in the nucleus but translation occurs in the cytoplasm!