Ch. 12 Protein Synthesis
mRNA codon – A codon is a group of 3 mRNA bases that codes for a specific amino acid.
The start codon is AUG and codes for the amino acid methionine There are 3 stop codons: AUG, UAA, UAG
tRNA anticodon – The anticodon bonds to the mRNA codon at the ribosome, bringing the correct amino acid.
Translation – protein synthesis mRNA goes to the ribosome Ribosome reads the first codon tRNA with the complimentary anticodon brings the first amino acid Ribosome reads the next codon, tRNA brings the next anticodon and amino acid
As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, 5. Amino acids bond forming a polypeptide chain, tRNA leaves to find another amino acid. 6. Process continues until the ribosome reaches the stop codon. As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, another ribosome will attach to the start codon and begin translation, that way many proteins can be made from one mRNA