Defining 'translation' as the process of protein synthesis where an mRNA sequence produced in DNA transcription is translated into an amino acid sequence (polypeptide)
Translation can be subdivided into 4 stages:
1. Elongation
- Small ribosomal subunit binds to mRNA and moves along the strand until it reaches start codon AUG (triplet of bases)- tRNA molecule binds to codon that is complimentary to its anticodon - Large ribosomal subunit aligns opposite the small subunit, aligning at the P site 2. Elongation - Another tRNA molecule binds to codon adjacent to start codon in A site- Peptide bond forms between two amino acids- Amino acid belonging to tRNA in P site now removed = deacetylation 3. Translocation - Ribosome moves along mRNA by one codon - Deacylated tRNA moves into E site and detaches- New tRNA occupies A site + process is repeated
4. Termination - Eventually ribosomal complex will reach stop codon - Instead of recruiting a stop codon, release factors are recruited signalling to stop translation- Newly formed polypeptide chain released, and ribosome disassembles