Translation

Molecular biology is a huge field that covers diverse topics. The translation is a significant concept that comes under molecular biology. Translation can be explained as the procedure involving translation of the sequence of a messenger RNA also known as mRNA molecule to a sequence of amino acids whilst protein synthesis. 

Translation

In literal terms, the word translation can be explained as ‘to carry across’. In biological terms, when we say translation, we refer to what is being carried across as information that was initially in the genome, enshrined in the DNA and later got transcribed into mRNA. The information is later again translated from messenger RNA to a protein. Thus, it can be observed that the same information is being translated from one form to another form. 

Components and Steps of Translation

The procedure which involves the code of genetics with a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule to get decoded and produce a particular sequence of amino acids is known as translation. This takes place in the cytoplasm and involves three stages – initiation, elongation and termination. 

The core components required for the process of translation include messenger RNA, ribosomes and transfer RNA. So as to start with the process of initiation, the start codon needs to be recognized. Further, the greater 60s subunit binds to finish the initiation complex. After this, the next step of elongation can begin. The ribosome involves two tRNA binding sites. First, there is the P site which holds the peptide chain and the next is the A site which accepts the tRNA. From P site to A site, methionine then moves so as to bond a novel amino acid over there which begins the growth of peptide. The ribosome at that point translocates along the mRNA molecule to the following codon. At this time, the growing peptide lies at the P site and the A site can be observed as exposed for the binding of the next aminoacyl-tRNA, and thus the cycle goes on. Thus, it can be observed that the polypeptide chain goes in the direction from the N terminal (methionine) to the C terminal (the final amino acid). After this, the process of termination can begin. In this process, a codon enters the A site and no tRNA molecules bind to these codons, so the peptide and tRNA in the P site become hydrolysed, liberating the polypeptide into the cytoplasm. The petite and big subunits of the ribosome detach, prepared for the following round of translation. Lastly, it can be said that the process of termination of translation takes place as a stop codon, or nonsense codon is encountered.

Conclusion

From the above significant points, it can be concluded that molecular biology is a vast field with a lot of diverse topics. The translation is also one such important topic that is studied under the heading of molecular biology and it helps us learn more about our own bodies. It can be said that translation is the process through which the genetic code with a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule gets decoded and produces a particular sequence of amino acids. Translation takes place in a rigid structure known as a ribosome that can also be explained as a workshop for protein synthesis. The process occurs in the cytoplasm and it mainly includes three unique stages, which are – initiation, elongation and termination. At the time of initiation, the petite ribosomal subunit begins to bind to ignite the mRNA sequence. Further, a transfer molecule travelling with the amino acid methionine binds to the start codon of the mRNA sequence. Following, the big ribosomal subunit binds to form the complete initiation complex. Now, at the time of elongation, the ribosome continues to translate each codon in turn. Each corresponding amino acid is added to the growing chain and linked through a bond – peptide bond. Elongation goes on till all the codons are read. At last, termination occurs when the ribosome reaches a stop codon. As no tRNA molecules can be found that can identify these codons, the ribosome makes out that translation is done. Lastly, a new protein is released, and the translation complex comes apart.