Concept

Translation (biology)

In biology, translation is the process in living cells in which proteins are produced using RNA molecules as templates. The generated protein is a sequence of amino acids. This sequence is determined by the sequence of nucleotides in the RNA. The nucleotides are considered three at a time. Each such triple results in addition of one specific amino acid to the protein being generated. The matching from nucleotide triple to amino acid is called the genetic code. The translation is performed by a large complex of functional RNA and proteins called ribosomes. The entire process is called gene expression. In translation, messenger RNA (mRNA) is decoded in a ribosome, outside the nucleus, to produce a specific amino acid chain, or polypeptide. The polypeptide later folds into an active protein and performs its functions in the cell. The ribosome facilitates decoding by inducing the binding of complementary tRNA anticodon sequences to mRNA codons. The tRNAs carry specific amino acids that are chained together into a polypeptide as the mRNA passes through and is "read" by the ribosome. Translation proceeds in three phases: Initiation: The ribosome assembles around the target mRNA. The first tRNA is attached at the start codon. Elongation: The last tRNA validated by the small ribosomal subunit (accommodation) transfers the amino acid. It carries to the large ribosomal subunit which binds it to the one of the preceding admitted tRNA (transpeptidation). The ribosome then moves to the next mRNA codon to continue the process (translocation), creating an amino acid chain. Termination: When a stop codon is reached, the ribosome releases the polypeptide. The ribosomal complex remains intact and moves on to the next mRNA to be translated. In prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea), translation occurs in the cytosol, where the large and small subunits of the ribosome bind to the mRNA. In eukaryotes, translation occurs in the cytoplasm or across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum in a process called co-translational translocation.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translation_(biology)

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Biology

Genetics: Molecular genetics

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Official source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translation_(biology)

About this result

Ontological neighbourhood

Biology

Genetics: Molecular genetics

Related courses (18)

BIO-105: Cellular biology and biochemistry for engineers

BIO-109: Introduction to life sciences (for IC)

BIO-212: Biological chemistry I

Related lectures (32)

Proximity-specific Ribosome Profiling

Explores proximity-specific ribosome profiling and translational dynamics with high resolution, covering spatial regulation, cell architecture, ER's role, and advanced techniques.

Molecules of Life: Understanding Translation and Protein Synthesis

Provides an overview of translation and protein synthesis, covering the genetic code, tRNA, and the steps involved in protein formation.

Genetic Code Expansion: Tools and Applications

Explores Genetic Code Expansion technology for incorporating unnatural amino acids in mRNA translation.

Related publications (32)

Interpretable Deep Learning for Elucidating Translation Elongation Dynamics

Gene expression regulation is a fundamental biological process governing protein abundance and cellular function. Translation, particularly elongation, is a key regulatory step whose dysregulation is implicated in metabolic disorders and cancer. Despite its importance, the sequence, structural, and contextual determinants of elongation dynamics remain incompletely understood. In this thesis, we develop three complementary interpretable machine learning frameworks to systematically elucidate translation elon

EPFL2026

Post-Transcriptional Regulation of the Extracellular Matrix by eIF5A in Hepatic Fibrogenesis

Translation elongation is a critical, well-regulated layer in the control of protein abundance and cellular homeostasis. This study focused on the eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A), a highly conserved translation elongation factor. Most research on eIF5A has been conducted in yeast, where it was found to promote efficient peptide-bond formation at difficult-to-translate motifs, particularly polyproline stretches. This process requires the unique hypusine modification of eIF5A by the enzymes DHPS and D

EPFL2026

The nitrogen starvation-induced inhibitor Rts3 restrains Sit4/PP6 to gate quiescence downstream of TORC1

Cellular quiescence is a reversible state essential for survival under nutrient-limiting or growth-restrictive conditions, yet the mechanisms fine-tuning its depth and reversibility remain elusive. Here, we identify Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rts3 as a regulator of the quiescence trajectory downstream of TORC1. Using phosphatase inhibitor beads and mass spectrometry, we characterize Rts3 as a phosphatase interactor in rapamycin-treated cells and define it as an inhibitor of the PP6 phosphatase Sit4. Mechanist

Nature Research2026

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Bacteria

Bacteria (bækˈtɪəriə; : bacterium) are ubiquitous, mostly free-living organisms often consisting of one biological cell. They constitute a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria were among the first life forms to appear on Earth, and are present in most of its habitats. Bacteria inhabit soil, water, acidic hot springs, radioactive waste, and the deep biosphere of Earth's crust. Bacteria play a vital role in many stages of the nutrient cycle by recycling nutrients and the fixation of nitrogen from the atmosphere.

Gene

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