Translation
- After transcription and the post-transcriptional modifications are complete, the mRNA moves out of the nucleus via the nuclear pore and diffuses into the cytoplasm towards a ribosome for translation
- This stage of protein synthesis occurs on ribosomes
- Ribosomes are found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
- On the rough endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotic cells
- Translation involves taking the genetic code from the mRNA and synthesizing a polypeptide
- A polypeptide is a sequence of amino acids covalently bonded together
- The order of the amino acids is based on the information stored in the genetic code of the mRNA
Protein Synthesis in Prokaryotes
- Conversely to eukaryotes, in prokaryotes, transcription and translation occur simultaneously
- mRNA is transcribed from the circular loop of genetic material and the transcript immediately binds to a ribosome for translation
- This is possible because
- The genetic material in prokaryotes is found in the cytoplasm rather than being contained inside the nuclear membrane
- Prokaryotic DNA does not undergo post-transcriptional processing, e.g. splicing. as prokaryotes have far fewer introns than eukaryotic cells
Comparing Protein Synthesis in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
Eukaryotic cells carry out transcription independently of translation whereas prokaryotes carry out both processes simultaneously
The Process of Translation in Eukaryotes
- Translation occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell
- After leaving the nucleus via a nuclear pore, the mRNA molecule attaches to a ribosome
- Initiation of translation
- 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
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- 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 structure
- 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
- In the cytoplasm there are free molecules of tRNA (transfer RNA)
- The elongation phase
- 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
- Termination of translation
- The stop codon 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
Translation Diagram
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!