Question

What happens to the tRNA molecule once it passes off its amino acid chain?

Answer 1

Once this transfer is complete, the tRNA leaves the ribosome, the ribosome moves one codon length down the mRNA, and a new tRNA enters with its corresponding amino acid. This process repeats and the polypeptide grows. Termination: At the end of the mRNA coding is a stop codon which will end the elongation stage.

Answer 2

The tRNA that has given up its amino acid is released. It can then bind to another molecule of the amino acid and be used again later in the protein-making process. Using a ratcheting mechanism, the ribosome advances the mRNA, three nucleotides at a time.