Final answer:
When one of the three stop codons reaches the A site of the ribosome, it is recognized by a release factor and causes the components of translation to dissociate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When one of the three stop codons (UAA, UAG, or UGA) reaches the A site of the ribosome, the stop codon is recognized by a release factor. This release factor binds in the A site of the ribosome, causing the protein, ribosomal subunits, mRNA, and tRNAs to dissociate and be reused for another translation reaction.