Process: Translation
The information encoded in the mRNA is
translated into the plans to build a functional protein.
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Two subunits of a ribosome (a large one and a small one) attach to the
messenger RNA (mRNA).
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The ribosome moves along the mRNA as it "reads" the
instructions on the mRNA for constructing a protein.
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Amino acids are the building blocks
for a protein and are carried to one of the active sites on the
ribosome by a transfer RNA.
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The ribosome begins at one end of the mRNA and waits until the correct
transfer RNA-amino acid complex binds to the mRNA
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The ribosome then moves down the messenger RNA strand and waits until
the next transfer RNA-amino acid complex binds to the mRNA.
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With a flash of energy (provided by GTP) a
chemical bond is formed between the two amino acids, and the first
transfer RNA is freed to go find another amino acid.
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This process repeats until all of the amino acids necessary to build
the protein have been bonded together.
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At the end of the mRNA, the ribosome falls off and releases the amino
acid chain (now called a protein).
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The piece of mRNA can be reused to build more of the same protein.
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The new protein spontaneously folds into the correct 3-dimensional
structure needed for its function in the cell.
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The protein may need to be processed a little more by enzymes but
otherwise it is ready to go to work.
Be sure you have noted that:
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Transcription makes mRNA from DNA
and occurs in the nucleus.
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Translation makes protein from mRNA and occurs in the cytoplasm.
If you are still unsure about how proteins are built cadet, you can use
the control panel at the lower left to Re-activate the
Translation Initiation Sequence, or you can proceed
to the next mission objective.