Question

3. Describe translation in your own words clearly but concisely enough that someone could visualize what is happening.

Answer 1

In the translation process, the mRNA (messenger RNA), is translated into an amino acid sequences during the synthesis of proteins. It can be said that the mRNA is decoded and a specific amino acid sequence is produced as a result of the decoding.

For suppose, an mRNA sequence is processed in a ribosome (where the protein synthesis takes place) and is decoded to form a simpler sequence of amino acids (set of several different amino acid) or a polypeptide. This process of the decoding and formation of polypeptide is called as translation.

The polypeptide formed is folded and converted into an active protein, which then performs its specific function. The translation process consists of three stages namely, initiation, elongation and termination.

In the initiation the ribosome (site of protein synthesis) assembles itself around the specific mRNA which is to be translated. At the start codon the first tRNA (transfer RNA) is attached.

In the elongation, the tRNA which is attached causes the transfer of the amino acid from one to the next forming the corresponding amino acid sequence gradually. This causes the formation of the chain.

In the termination stage, the stop codon causes the termination of the translation process and releases the resulting polypeptide chain.