In: Biology
What events bring about the termination of translation?
Translation termination occurs when a ribosome encounters a STOP or NON-SENSE codon. Among the 64 codons, 3 of them - UAG, UAA, and UGA, do not specify any amino acid. These termination codons signal the termination or end of translation and the end of the protein molecule.
When a translating ribosome encounters such a stop codon, no amino acid is inserted at the A site. Instead, one of the two release factors, RF-1 and RF-2 binds to the protein and promotes the hydrolysis of the ester bond in peptidyl–tRNA in the P site. The release factors are codon specific - RF1 terminates UAG and UAA codons, whereas RF2 terminates UGA and UAA. There is a third release factor, RF3, a nonessential GTPase which helps to dissociate the ribosomal complex. After separation, each unit prepares for the next initiation event.
These steps lead to the release of the completed protein and the termination of protein synthesis.