Learn: Translation

Welcome!I've reviewed your growth areas and created this lesson to help strengthen your understanding of translation.Translation is a key part of protein synthesis, and we'll focus on breaking it down into clear steps and testing your understanding throughout.

What is Translation?Translation is the process where the genetic code in mRNA (messenger RNA) is used to build a protein. It happens in the ribosome, which reads codons (groups of three bases) on the mRNA and matches them with corresponding amino acids.This step is essential for creating the proteins that perform various functions in cells, like enzymes, hormones, and structural components.

mRNA and CodonsThe mRNA carries the genetic instructions from DNA. Each codon (a sequence of three nucleotides) on the mRNA corresponds to a specific amino acid. For example, the codon AUG codes for methionine, which is often the start of a protein chain.The mRNA acts like a recipe, guiding the ribosome to assemble amino acids in the correct order.

Ribosome FunctionThe ribosome is the site of translation. It has two subunits: the small subunit binds to the mRNA, while the large subunit holds the tRNA (transfer RNA) carrying amino acids.As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, tRNA molecules bring the correct amino acids to match the codons, creating a growing protein chain.

tRNA and AnticodonsThe tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome. Each tRNA has an anticodon (a sequence of three bases) that pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA.For example, if the mRNA codon is AUG, the tRNA anticodon will be UAC, and the tRNA will carry methionine.

Peptide Bond FormationAs the ribosome moves along the mRNA, it links amino acids brought by tRNA using peptide bonds. These bonds form between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of the next.This process continues until the ribosome reaches a stop codon, signalling the end of translation.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about translation, including codons, tRNA, ribosomes, and peptide bond formation. Let's test your understanding with a few questions.