Starting with mRNA in the cytoplasm, how are polypeptides produced?

The mRNA binds to a ribosome at the start codon. (1) The ribosome has a space for a tRNA molecule with a three base anticodon to bind to the complementary codon on the mRNA.(2) The tRNA brings the specific amino acid (3) which starts the polypeptide chain. Then the ribosome moves along to the next codon and binds another tRNA (4). The amino acids from the two tRNA molecules form peptide bonds by a condensation reaction to form the polypeptide (5) and this is repeated until the ribosome reaches a 'stop' codon.(6)

AT
Answered by Alice T. Biology tutor

2522 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is air breathed in to the lungs so that oxygen reaches the gas exchange surfaces?


Can you please explain the lock and key model of enzyme action to me?


What are the similarities/differences between neuromuscular junctions and cholinergic synapses?


Starting with mRNa in the cytoplasm, describe how translation leads to the production of a polypeptide ( without including transcription or slicing)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning