Translation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Translation

Protein synthesis process where RNA is translated into protein.

Prokaryotic Translation

Translation process occurring in prokaryotic organisms.

Eukaryotic Translation

Translation process occurring in eukaryotic organisms.

Initiation

The first stage of translation where the ribosome assembles around the start codon.

Elongation

The stage of translation where amino acids are added to the growing polypeptide chain.

Termination

The final stage of translation where the completed polypeptide is released.

Codons

Triplet sequences of nucleotides in mRNA that specify amino acids.

Wobble Effect

The ability of the third base in a codon to vary without affecting the amino acid specified. (3rd AntiCodon x 1st Codon)

tRNA

Transfer RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

F-met

The first amino acid in prokaryotic translation.

Shine-Dalgarno Sequence

A ribosomal binding site in bacterial mRNA located upstream of the start codon.

Ribosome Size in Prokaryotes

70S, composed of a 50S large subunit and a 30S small subunit.

Ribosome Size in Eukaryotes

80S, composed of a 60S large subunit and a 40S small subunit.

IF

Shorthand for Initiation Factors in translation.

EF

Shorthand for Elongation Factors in translation.

GTP

Guanosine triphosphate, a molecule that provides energy for translation.

RF

Release factor that binds to stop codons to terminate translation.

Stop Codons

Codons that signal the termination of translation: UAA, UAG, UGA.

RRF

Ribosome recycling factor that dissociates the ribosome after translation.

eIF

Shorthand for Eukaryotic Initiation Factors.

eEF

Shorthand for Eukaryotic Elongation Factors.

Charged tRNA

tRNA that is linked to its corresponding amino acid.

Deacylated tRNA

tRNA that has released its amino acid and is ready to be recycled.

tRNAiMet

Initiator tRNA that carries methionine in Eukaryotes

Met

Charged initiator tRNA

tRNAmMet

Internal tRNA that carries methionine

Met-tRNAi

Charged initiator tRNA

eEF1α

EF that brings charged tRNA to the A site

eEF1βγ

EF that recycles eEF1α and converts GDP to GTP

5'...NNPu(A/G)NNAUGG...3'

Common sequence around start before 40S binds to mRNA

43S pre-initiation complex

Complex consisting of eIF2, eIF3, Met-tRNA, eIF1, and eIF1a

Cap binding complex

Complex that recognizes the 5' cap, consisting of mRNA, eIF4A, B, E, & G

48S complex

Complex that forms at initiation codon, scans for the first AUG/start codon

IRES

Internal Ribosome Entry Site that is cap-independent

eEF1α

Binds to GTP and the incoming charged tRNA

RF (release factor)

Factor that recognizes stop codons

RF1

Recognizes stop codons UAA or UAG

RF2

Recognizes stop codons UGA or UAA

RRF (ribosome recycling factor)

Factor that recycles ribosomes after termination

Prokaryotes First Amino Acid

f-Met

Eukaryotes First Amino Acid

Met

Ribosome size in Prokaryotes

70S

Ribosome size in Eukaryotes

80S

tRNAfMet

Initiator tRNA that carries methionine in Prokaryotes

tRNAiMet

Initiator tRNA that carries methionine in Eukaryotes

tRNAmMet

Internal tRNA that carries methionine in Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes

Common sequence around start in Prokaryotes

5'...AGGAGG-N10-AUG...3'

Common sequence around start in Eukaryotes

5'...NPuNNAUGG...3'