Translation of DNA

Once mRNA is in the cytoplasm, translation occurs. This is the process where the genetic information
stored in mRNA molecules is converted to proteins. This happens with the help of ribosomes. Ribosomes,
which are made from rRNA, or ribosomal RNA, are organelles that make proteins. During translation, the
mRNA attaches itself to the ribosome, which reads the genetic information in the nucleotide sequence.
The genetic information is used to make protein molecules with specific sequences of amino acids. Each
gene includes the exact number of codons to make a specific type of protein, and each mRNA codon has
instructions for a different amino acid to be added to the protein. The ribosome reads the codons in order
from the mRNA, and tRNA, or transfer RNA, finds the correct amino acid. Since there are twenty different
amino acids, each one is retrieved by a slightly different form of tRNA molecule. tRNA molecules are
folded in such a way that one end can recognize and attach to a specific amino acid, while the other end
forms an anticodon. The anticodon contains complementary base pairs for the codons in the mRNA
strand. When the correct anticodon recognizes and binds to the codon, the tRNA transfers the amino acid
to the ribosome. Peptide bonds form between adjacent amino acids, binding them to the polypeptide
chain. When the entire mRNA strand has been read, and the correct amino acids have been added, the
protein is finished. Once protein synthesis is complete, the mRNA strand is destroyed and its constituent
parts recycled.