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Translation

Elijah Ramirez

Elijah Ramirez

7 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers translation, the process of protein synthesis from mRNA. It details the roles of ribosomes, mRNA, codons, and tRNA. The three steps of translation (initiation, elongation, termination) are explained, along with differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation. Finally, retroviruses and their unique reverse transcription process are discussed.

From RNA to Protein: Translation 🧬

Overview of Translation

Key Concept

Translation is the process where the genetic code in mRNA is used to build a polypeptide (protein chain) on ribosomes. Think of it like a construction site where the mRNA is the blueprint and the ribosome is the builder.

* **Ribosomes:** These are the protein-making machines. * **Prokaryotes:** Ribosomes float freely in the cytoplasm. * **Eukaryotes:** Ribosomes are in the cytoplasm and on the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). * **mRNA Reading:** The mRNA is read in **codons** (three-nucleotide sequences). Each codon specifies an amino acid. * **Process:** The ribosome adds amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain until it hits a stop codon. * **Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic:** * **Eukaryotes:** Transcription (in nucleus) and translation (in cytoplasm) are separated. * **Prokaryotes:** Transcription and translation happen simultaneously in the cytoplasm.

Translation Overview


Translation in Prokaryotes

Prokaryotes have a unique system where transcription and translation occur simultaneously (co-transcriptional translation). This allows for rapid protein production.

  • Simultaneous Process: As RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA, ribosomes attach and start translation.
  • Efficiency: Allows for quick response to environmental changes and rapid protein synthesis.
  • No mRNA Transport: mRNA doesn't need to move to the cytoplasm, as it is already there.

Prokaryotic Translation


The Three Main Steps of Translation

Translation occurs in three main steps: initiation, elongation, and termination.

![Translation Steps](https://zupay.blob.core.windows.net/resources/files/0baca4f69800419293b4c75aa2870acd_768f2f_1462.jpg?alt=media&token=123ec7cf-7d23-4a4a-b0...

Question 1 of 12

What cellular structure is primarily responsible for building polypeptides during translation? 🏗️

Nucleus

Ribosomes

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Apparatus