Translation

THE PROCESS OF POLYMERIZATION OF AMINO ACIDS TO FORM A POLYPEPTIDE.

Ribosome

 Consists of structural RNAs and about 80 different proteins.

 Exists as 2 sub-units (large and small) in the inactive state.
 Translation (mRNA- protein) begins when the small sub-unit encounters an mRNA
 The large sub-unit has two sites for binding of amino acids which enables them to be
close enough for the formation of a peptide bond.
 Also acts as a catalyst, in bacteria for formation of peptide bond.
Important Terms

 Aminoacylation of tRNA- activation of amino acids in presence of ATP followed by

linkage to their particular tRNA.
 UTR (Untranslated Regions)- additional sequences on mRNA that remain untranslated
but are required for efficient translation process, present at 5’end and 3’end.
 Anticodon- trinucleotide units that present in tRNA. It is complementary to the codons in
mRNA.
Steps Involved

 Initiation: The ribosomes binds to the mRNA at the start codon (AUG) that is recognized
only by the initiator tRNA.
 Elongation: Complexes composed of amino acid linked to tRNA, sequentially bind to the
appropriate codon in mRNA by forming complementary base pairs with the tRNA
anticodon.
 Translocation: The ribosome then moves to the next mRNA codon and continues the
process. This creates an amino acid chain. 
 Termination: A release factor binds to the stop codon (UAA/UAG/UGA), thus
completing the process of translation and releasing the complete polypeptide form the
ribosome.