What is translation?

Translation is the process of using mRNA and tRNA to build a polypeptide chain.

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Where does an mRNA molecule initially bind to a ribosome?

An mRNA molecule initially binds to a ribosome at the start codon (AUG).

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Where in the cell does translation take place?

Translation takes place in the ribosomes.

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Which part of a tRNA molecule binds to an mRNA molecule?

The anticodon on tRNA binds to a codon on the mRNA molecule.

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How many tRNA molecules bind to an mRNA molecule at a time?

2 tRNA molecules bind to an mRNA molecule at a time.

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During translation, what happens when a ribosome reaches a stop codon?

When a ribosome reaches a stop codon, the polypeptide chain detaches from the ribosome. 

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Describe how amino acids are joined together in the process of translation.

Amino acids are joined together by using ATP to form a peptide bond between them.

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What are the steps involved in translation?

  1. mRNA binds to a ribosome. 
  2. A tRNA with a complementary anticodon binds to the first mRNA codon. 
  3. A second tRNA with a complementary anticodon binds to the next mRNA codon. 
  4. ATP is used to form a peptide bond between the 2 amino acids on the tRNA molecules. 
  5. The first tRNA molecule is released, leaving its amino acid behind. 
  6. The ribosome moves along mRNA, building up an amino acid chain. 
  7. When the ribosome reaches a stop codon on mRNA, the polypeptide chain detaches from it. 

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