1. 2/28/12
Objective: Understand how the structure of tRNA makes translation possible
Warm-Up: How does the genetic code work?
Homework: Simulating Protein Synthesis

2. Translation Occurs in the cytoplasm
The ribosome is the site of translation
The ribosome is a large, complex structure of protein and ribsomal RNA (rRNA)
It has two subunits that attach to the mRNA in order to begin translation

4. tRNA transfer RNA carries amino acids to the ribosome
tRNA is single stranded, but has a complex secondary structure
On one end, tRNA has an anticodon—three exposed nucleotide bases that can base pair with the mRNA
“Wobble” pairing: occasionally the third base in the anticodon is not complementary to the third base in the mRNA codon
On the other end, tRNA carries an amino acid