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Translation: Elongation & Termination

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Translation is elongated by the movement of tRNA and peptides within the ribosome complex. It begins with mRNA, which is the template for translation and contains the necessary codons. A new amino acid-tRNA molecule enters the A site of the ribosome, assisted by GTP and elongation factors. While that molecule is bound to the A site, the existing peptide chain binds to the new amino acid. The peptide chain-tRNA complex moves to the P site, and tRNA disengages from the peptide attached to its 3' end. The free tRNA located in the P site then moves to the E site, and is kicked out when a new tRNA complex enters the P site. This cyclic process occurs until a stop codon is read, signaling translation termination. Stop codons are not recognized by tRNA, but rather by release factors. When the stop codon is encountered, these release factors work to disassociate the ribosomal complex from the mRNA it is bound to, and thereafter the ribosomal complex falls apart

9 KEY FACTS

After the start codon is seen on the mRNA, met-tRNA binds to the P site. Next, a peptide chain-tRNA binds to the A site, and the neighboring amino acids connect, forming a peptide chain.

A new amino acid-tRNA molecule enters the A site and binds with its anti-codon region matching the mRNA.

GTP and elongation factors help hold the tRNA at the A-site until the amino acids are linked.

While the new amino acid-tRNA molecule is at the A-site, the existing peptide chain binds the amino acid.

The peptide chain-tRNA molecule now moves to the P-site, after which tRNA breaks off from the peptide chain.

The free tRNA in the P-site moves to the E-site, where it is kicked off when a new tRNA brings in the next amino acid.

When the stop codon is encountered, termination is prompted. This codon is recognized by release factors, which then work to disassemble the ribosomal complex, which is bound to mRNA.

Stop codons are not recognized by tRNA, but rather by release factors. When the stop codon is encountered, these release factors work to disassociate the ribosomal complex from the mRNA it is bound to.

Shortly after disassociating from the mRNA, the ribosomal complex falls apart.

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