Edexcel A (SNAB) A Level Biology

Revision Notes

2.3.2 Translation

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Translation

  • Translation occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell
  • After leaving the nucleus via a nuclear pore, the mRNA molecule attaches to a ribosome
  • In the cytoplasm there are free molecules of tRNA (transfer RNA)
    • tRNA is a single stranded molecule of RNA that folds into a clover-like structre
    • tRNA molecules have a triplet of unpaired bases at one end, known as the anticodon, and a region at the other end where a specific amino acid can attach
    • There are about 20 different tRNA molecules, each with a specific anticodon and specific amino acid binding site
  • The tRNA molecules bind with their specific amino acids (also in the cytoplasm) and bring them to the mRNA molecule on the ribosome
  • The triplet of bases (anticodon) on each tRNA molecule pairs with a complementary triplet on the mRNA molecule called the codon
    • Near the beginning of the mRNA is a triplet of bases called the start codon (AUG)
    • This is a signal to start off translation 
    • AUG codes for an amino acid called methionine
  • Two tRNA molecules fit onto the ribosome at any one time, bringing the amino acid they are each carrying side by side
  • A peptide bond is then formed, via a condensation reaction, between the two amino acids
  • This process continues until a ‘stop’ codon on the mRNA molecule is reached – this acts as a signal for translation to stop and at this point the amino acid chain coded for by the mRNA molecule is complete
  • The amino acid chain then forms the final polypeptide

Process of Translation 1

Process of Translation 2

The process of translation

Exam Tip

Make sure you learn both stages of protein synthesis fully. Don’t forget – transcription occurs in the nucleus but translation occurs in the cytoplasm! 

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