Translation Diagram

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or signals the termination of protein synthesis.

Front

What is an anticodon?

Back

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a codon in mRNA, allowing for the correct amino acid to be added during protein synthesis.

Front

What is mRNA?

Back

mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Front

What is tRNA?

Back

tRNA, or transfer RNA, is a type of RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis, matching them to the corresponding codons in mRNA.

Front

What is a peptide bond?

Back

A peptide bond is a covalent bond that links amino acids together in a protein, formed during the process of translation.

Front

What role does mRNA play in translation?

Back

mRNA serves as the template for protein synthesis, providing the sequence of codons that determine the order of amino acids in a protein.

Front

How does tRNA recognize codons?

Back

tRNA recognizes codons through its anticodon, which pairs with the complementary codon on the mRNA strand.

Front

What is the significance of the start codon?

Back

The start codon (AUG) signals the beginning of translation and codes for the amino acid methionine.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes in translation?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular machinery that facilitate the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain by bringing together mRNA and tRNA.

Front

What happens during the elongation phase of translation?

Back

During elongation, amino acids are added one by one to the growing polypeptide chain as the ribosome moves along the mRNA.