Notes on RNA Translation and Ribosomes

RNA Translation and Ribosomes

• RNA copy moves to the outer cell.
• Ribosome forms around RNA.
• Ribosome translates RNA into amino acid string (protein).

Transfer Molecules

• Transfer molecules (green triangles) bring amino acids to the ribosome.
• Each transfer molecule has a three-letter code matching RNA.
• There are different transfer molecules for each of the 20 amino acids.

The Translation Process

• RNA is pulled through the ribosome.
• The code for each amino acid is read off, three letters at a time.
• Matching transfer molecule plugs in, adding its amino acid to the protein chain.
• Assembled protein emerges from the ribosome.

Protein Synthesis

• Ribosomes can make any kind of protein.
• Example: Hemoglobin.
• Bone marrow cells produce $100,000,000,000,000$ molecules of hemoglobin per second.