Learn: Translation

Welcome!I've looked at your growth areas and created this lesson to help strengthen your understanding of translation. We'll focus on how this process works and connect it to topics like the cardiovascular system and respiration where relevant.

What is Translation?Translation is the process by which the genetic code in mRNA (messenger RNA) is used to assemble a specific sequence of amino acids to form a protein. It occurs in the cytoplasm at the ribosomes and is an essential part of protein synthesis.

How Translation WorksTranslation begins when the ribosome binds to the mRNA. The genetic code on the mRNA is read in groups of three bases called codons. Each codon specifies an amino acid, which is brought to the ribosome by tRNA (transfer RNA).

The Role of tRNAtRNA molecules carry amino acids to the ribosome. Each tRNA has an anticodon that matches a codon on the mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing protein chain.

Steps in TranslationTranslation has three main stages:Initiation: The ribosome assembles around the mRNA and the first tRNA binds to the start codon.Elongation: tRNAs bring amino acids, which are joined together by peptide bonds.Termination: Translation ends when a stop codon is reached.

Peptide Bond FormationDuring elongation, enzymes in the ribosome help form peptide bonds between amino acids. This process builds the protein chain step by step.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about translation, tRNA, codons, and the steps of protein synthesis. Let’s test your understanding with a few questions.

Lesson Wrap-UpWell done! Translation is key to understanding how genetic information is converted into proteins. Review your notes and practise identifying codons and their corresponding amino acids.