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Translation

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Estimated time: 15 minutes
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 10, 12
CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Triplet Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid is called a triplet codon.

CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 10, 12
CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Translation

The process of protein synthesis in which the message on mRNA is decoded with the help of tRNA to form a specific sequence of amino acids is called translation.

CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Concept of translation

Translation is the process by which the information present in messenger RNA is decoded to synthesise a polypeptide or protein. In this process, the sequence of codons on mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids in the protein formed. It is a major step of the central dogma, in which genetic information flows from DNA to RNA and then to protein.

  • Basis of coding
    The message for protein synthesis is written on mRNA in the form of codons. Each codon is a triplet of nucleotides, and each triplet specifies a particular amino acid or a signal during translation.

  • Role of mRNA
    mRNA acts as the template for translation. It carries the genetic message copied from DNA and presents it to the ribosome in a readable codon sequence.

  • Role of tRNA
    tRNA functions as the adaptor molecule in translation. It brings specific amino acids to the ribosome and recognises codons on mRNA through complementary anticodons.

  • Role of Ribosome
    Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis. They hold mRNA and tRNA in the correct position and help in the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids.

  • Requirement of amino acid activation
    Before translation proceeds, amino acids are activated and linked to their corresponding tRNA molecules. This charging of tRNA is necessary for correct amino acid delivery during protein synthesis.

  • Sites of ribosome
    The ribosome provides functional sites for the movement and positioning of tRNA during translation. These include the A site for incoming aminoacyl tRNA, the P site for peptidyl tRNA, and the E site for exit of empty tRNA.

CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Requirements for Translation

Component Role in Translation
mRNA Carries the codon sequence to be read by the ribosome.
tRNA Brings specific amino acids and matches anticodon with codon.
Ribosome Site of protein synthesis; contains A, P, and E functional sites.
Amino acids Raw materials for polypeptide formation.
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase Activates amino acids and attaches them to the correct tRNA.
ATP/GTP Supply energy during activation and translation steps.
Mg2+ ions and factors Help maintain ribosomal structure and translation efficiency.
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Stages of Translation

Translation

Stage Details
Initiation - Translation begins when the ribosome binds to mRNA.
- The small ribosomal subunit associates with the mRNA first.
- The start codon is usually AUG.
- The initiator tRNA recognises the start codon and binds to it.
- This initiator tRNA carries methionine.
- After this, the large ribosomal subunit joins, and the initiation complex is formed.
Elongation - In this stage, amino acids are added one by one to the growing polypeptide chain.
- Charged tRNAs bring specific amino acids to the ribosome according to the codons present on mRNA.
- Codon-anticodon pairing ensures that the correct amino acid is placed in sequence.
- Peptide bonds are formed between adjacent amino acids.
- The ribosome moves forward on the mRNA by one codon at a time; this is called translocation.
- As this process repeats, the polypeptide chain becomes longer.
Termination - Translation ends when the ribosome reaches a stop codon on the mRNA.
- The stop codons are UAA, UAG, and UGA.
- These codons do not code for any amino acid.
- Release factors bind when the stop codon is reached.
- The completed polypeptide chain is released from the ribosome.
- The ribosomal subunits then separate, ending the process.
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Translation

  • Translation is the process by which the codon sequence on mRNA is decoded with the help of tRNA at the ribosome to form a specific sequence of amino acids in a protein.
  • It needs mRNA (template), tRNA (adapter), ribosome (with A, P, and E sites), amino acids, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, ATP/GTP for energy, and Mg²⁺ ions.
  • Before translation, amino acids are activated and linked to their specific tRNAs (charging) by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase.
  • Initiation: the small ribosomal subunit binds mRNA at the start codon (AUG), the initiator tRNA carrying methionine attaches, and the large subunit joins to form the initiation complex.
  • Elongation: amino acids are added one by one through codon–anticodon pairing, peptide bonds form between them, and the ribosome moves forward by one codon at a time (translocation).
  • Termination occurs at a stop codon (UAA, UAG, UGA), where release factors free the polypeptide and the ribosomal subunits separate.
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