Question

Differentiate between the following:

Translation and Translocation

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	Translation	Translocation
Meaning	Translation is the overall process of decoding mRNA to synthesise a polypeptide.	Translocation is a step in translation in which the ribosome moves along the mRNA by one codon.
Scope	Translation includes initiation, elongation and termination of polypeptide synthesis.	Translocation is one event that occurs repeatedly during elongation.
Main movement	During translation, tRNAs enter and leave the ribosome as codons are decoded.	During translocation, the ribosome shifts relative to the mRNA and the tRNA carrying the growing chain moves from the A site to the P site.
Outcome	Translation produces a polypeptide with an amino-acid sequence specified by mRNA.	Translocation exposes the next codon at the A site so elongation can continue.