Translation of mRNA: Mechanisms and Stages

Translation

Interpreting mRNA language into amino acids.

mRNA

Messenger RNA carrying genetic information from DNA.

Codon

Group of three nucleotides in mRNA.

Genetic Code

Rules defining how codons translate to amino acids.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that delivers amino acids to ribosomes.

Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases

Enzymes attaching amino acids to tRNAs.

Polypeptide Chain

Sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

Ribosome

Molecular machine synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Peptidyl Site (P site)

Ribosomal site holding the growing polypeptide chain.

Aminoacyl Site (A site)

Ribosomal site where new tRNA enters.

Exit Site (E site)

Ribosomal site where tRNAs leave the ribosome.

Initiation Complex

Assembly of mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomal subunits.

Start Codon

First codon in mRNA for translation initiation.

N-formylmethionine

Modified methionine in bacterial initiator tRNA.

Kozak's Rules

Guidelines for optimal eukaryotic translation initiation.

80S Ribosome

Eukaryotic ribosome composed of 40S and 60S subunits.

15-20 Amino Acids/Second

Bacterial translation speed during elongation.

2-6 Amino Acids/Second

Eukaryotic translation speed during elongation.

Release Factors

Proteins recognizing stop codons during termination.

Stop Codons

Codons signaling the end of translation: UAG, UAA, UGA.

Coupling

Simultaneous transcription and translation in bacteria.

Cloverleaf Pattern

Secondary structure of tRNA with stem-loop formations.

Modified Nucleotides

Non-standard bases found in tRNA structures.

Peptidyl Transferase

Ribosomal activity catalyzing peptide bond formation.