Explain the process of DNA translation

[Pre-initiation - Specific enzymes catalyse the attachment of amino acids to tRNA, requires ATP]

1) The small ribosomal subunit binds to the 5' end of mRNA and finds the (AUG) start codon 

2) Via complementary base paring, tRNA anti-codon binds to mRNA codon

3) Large ribosomal subunit aligns itself to the tRNA molecule at its P-site, forming a complex subunit

4) At the large subunits A-site another tRNA enters, attaching itself via complementary base paring

5) Complex catalyses reation covalently binding animo acids attached to tRNA in P and A-site

6) The ribosome moves along one codon position, this shifts the deacetylated tRNA to the E-site where it is ejected

7) New tRNA molecule attaches enters the newly emptied A-site and the process is repeated

8) This continues until the ribosome reaches a stop codon on the mRNA

9) Protein may undergo final modifications by other cellular machinery before becoming functional

HS
Answered by Hans S. Biology tutor

4447 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Describe why DNA replication is semi-conservative


What is the difference between second messengers and gene regulatory proteins?


What are enzymes and what factors are they affected by?


Explain that female carriers are heterozygous for X-linked recessive alleles.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning