Translation in protein synthesis is a crucial step where the information encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA) is used to assemble a specific protein. This process takes place in the ribosomes, cellular structures responsible for protein production

In bacteria, translation starts when ribosomes bind to a specific site (the ribosome binding site, RBS), which is adjacent to the start codon.

In eukaryotes, the mechanism is much more complicated. Instead of binding just upstream of the initiation codon, the ribosome binds to the cap at the 5′ end of the mRNA, and reads along the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) until it reaches an initiation codon.

The site of protein synthesis is the ribosome. Ribosomes are interesting structures in that they are a combination of RNA and protein. The form of RNA that is found in a ribosome is ribosomal RNA, or rRNA.

Translation occurs in three major steps: (1) initiation. (2) elongation, and (3) termination.

Read more about the Structure of Proteins

Translation in Protein Synthesis – Initiation

1. During initiation, a group of proteins called initiation factors assist in assembling the ribosome around the mRNA.
2. The initiation factors temporarily recognize specific sequences in the mRNA.
3. The small ribosomal subunit then recognizes the initiation factors, followed by the large ribosomal subunit.
4. The ribosome is assembled around the mRNA, much like a series of toy plastic blocks.
5. Near the beginning of the mRNA is a codon called the start codon (AUG). This codes for an amino acid called methionine.
6. Three regions are important as the ribosome is assembled around the mRNA. They are commonly called the A, P, and E sites.
7. Each site will fit a single tRNA.
8. The only tRNA that can effectively enter the site is the one whose anticodon complements the codon of the mRNA revealed within the site.
9. In initiation, the assembly of the ribosome occurs with the AUG start codon within the P site. This
   ends the initiation stage.

Elongation

1. The elongation stage involves the assembly of specified amino acids into a polypeptide chain.
2. The key to elongation are the E, P, and A sites within the ribosome.
3. Following initiation, the first tRNA (for methionine) is located within the P site.
4. A second codon in the mRNA is exposed in the A site.
5. Only a tRNA with an anticodon complementary to the mRNA codon exposed in the A site will correctly fit.
6. At this point there are two tRNAs in the ribosome.
7. By an enzymatic reaction, the amino acids between the P and A chains are joined together by a
   peptide bond.
8. As the peptide bond forms, the amino acid is released from the tRNA in the P site. The ribosome then moves one codon down the mRNA (in the 3′ direction).
9. As it does so, the tRNA that was in the P site enters into the E site and leaves the ribosome.
10. The tRNA that was in the A site, which still has the polypeptide chain attached, moves into the
    P site.
11. A new mRNA codon is then revealed in the A site.
12. A tRNA with an anticodon complementary to the exposed mRNA codon then enters the A site, and the process repeats itself.
13. The rate at which this reaction occurs is amazing.
14. In eukaryotic systems, the ribosome may read up to six codons per second.

Termination

1. The process of termination begins once the end of the mRNA is reached by the ribosome.
2. In place of tRNAs, proteins called release factors enter into the A site.
3. Since the release factors do not contain amino acids, the process of translation is stopped at this point.
4. The release factors also promote the disassembly of the ribosome and its interaction with the mRNA.
5. The end result of translation is a polypeptide chain. This polypeptide chain must undergo a series of folds in order to produce a functional protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by translation?

The translation is the process by which the sequence of nucleotides present in mRNA is read by the ribosomes and is translated into the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. It is the synthesis of proteins under the instructions of mRNA.

How does translation begin?

Translation begins with the process of initiation during which certain proteins called initiation factors assist the ribosomal subunits to assemble around a molecule of mRNA.

What is the direction of translation?

The process of translation proceeds in a 5’ to 3’ direction. During translation, the ribosome moves down a molecule of mRNA toward its 3’ end.

How the process of translation stops?

This happens when a stop codon is encountered at the A site of the ribosome. This is recognized by the release factors which are involved in the termination of translation.