Translation Elongation Process in Protein Synthesis

How does the ribosome move during translation elongation?

After a bond is created, what happens next?

Answer:

During translation elongation, the ribosome moves one codon, leaving the first binding site empty and lining up the next codon under the second binding site. To find the correct tRNA that forms hydrogen bonds with the codon, the tRNA anticodon must be complementary to the mRNA codon.

Explanation:

Translation elongation is the stage of protein synthesis where the ribosome moves along the mRNA strand, adding amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain. After a peptide bond is created between the amino acids, the ribosome shifts one codon along the mRNA. This movement leaves the first binding site empty and positions the next codon under the second binding site, ready for the next tRNA to bind and add another amino acid.

The correct tRNA with the anticodon complementary to the mRNA codon will then bind to the ribosome, ensuring the accurate addition of amino acids based on the mRNA sequence. This process continues until a stop codon is reached, signaling the end of translation and the release of the completed polypeptide chain.