Final answer:
Translation is the process by which mRNA is converted into protein. It involves steps like activation of amino acids, initiation, elongation, termination, post-translational modifications, and protein folding and targeting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Translation is the process by which the genetic information present in a mRNA molecule is converted into protein with specific amino acid sequence. It involves six main steps:
- Activation of amino acids: Amino acids are activated by attaching them to transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules.
- Initiation: The ribosome binds to the mRNA and the process starts at the start codon (AUG).
- Elongation: Amino acids are added one by one to the growing polypeptide chain, with each amino acid being brought in by a specific tRNA molecule.
- Termination: The process stops when a stop codon is reached on the mRNA, releasing the completed protein.
- Post-translational modifications: The newly synthesized protein may undergo modifications, such as folding or the addition of chemical groups.
- Protein folding and targeting: The protein may fold into its native conformation and be targeted to specific cellular compartments.