1. TRANSLATION NOTES

2. Definition of Translation
The decoding of mRNA’s message into a protein
Happens in the ribosome
Also known as Protein Synthesis, which is when proteins are made by stringing amino acids together to form long chains (20+ types of amino acids in humans)

3. Other Words Used During Translation
Transfer RNA (tRNA) – carries amino acids from the cytoplasm to the ribosomes, where they are joined to make proteins; single-stranded
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) – makes up the major structural part of the ribosome itself; single-stranded

4. More Words Used During Translation
Codon – 3 nucleotides (bases) on the mRNA that code for a particular amino acid
Start codon – AUG
Stop codons – UAA, UAG, UGA
Anticodon – 3 nucleotides (bases) on the tRNA that pair up complementary with the codon on the mRNA

5. Picture of Translation
Ribosome
AAA
UAC
Anticodon
ACC
Amino Acids
tRNA
mRNA
AUG
UGG
UUU
GGC
Codon

6. Steps of Translation The ribosome has 2 slots for tRNAs to fit into
tRNAs come in and their anticodon pairs complementary to the codon on the mRNA
The amino acids (carried on the top of the tRNA) bond together and start forming a protein
Everything shifts over one slot and a new tRNA comes in – this continues until a stop codon on the mRNA is reached

7. Translation Animations
(click on protein synthesis)

8. Translation Simulation
Make sure Biological Simulations CD is in the drive