What happens during Translation?
Responses
DNA-------------> mRNA
DNA-------------> mRNA
mRNA--------> tRNA
mRNA--------> tRNA
mRNA-----------> Protein
mRNA-----------> Protein
DNA-----------------> Protein
DNA-----------------> Protein
Translation is the process through which genetic information encoded in DNA is used to produce proteins. It involves several steps:
1. DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) in a process called transcription. The DNA sequence is copied by RNA polymerase, resulting in the synthesis of mRNA. This step occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.
2. The mRNA molecule is then modified, including the addition of a 5' cap and a poly-A tail, in a process called mRNA processing. These modifications help protect the mRNA molecule as it leaves the nucleus and determines its stability and ability to be translated.
3. The processed mRNA molecule leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm, where it interacts with ribosomes, the cellular structures responsible for translation.
4. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosomes. Each tRNA molecule has an anticodon that is complementary to a specific codon on the mRNA molecule. The tRNA molecules bind to the mRNA at the ribosome, bringing the corresponding amino acid into position.
5. The ribosome moves along the mRNA molecule, reading the codons and matching them with the appropriate tRNA molecules. The ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between adjacent amino acids, resulting in the synthesis of a protein chain.
6. After the ribosome reaches a stop codon on the mRNA, the protein is released, and the ribosome dissociates from the mRNA molecule. The newly synthesized protein then undergoes further modifications and folding before it becomes functional.
Overall, translation is a highly coordinated process that allows the genetic information encoded in DNA to be converted into proteins, which are responsible for carrying out most cellular functions.