How to Translate Messenger RNA (mRNA) into Amino Acids

What is the process called when mRNA travels from the nucleus to the ribosome?

a. Transcription

b. Translation

c. Replication

d. Translocation

Answer:

The correct answer is - b. Translation.

Translation is the process where mRNA travels from the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell to the ribosome. This is the stage where the genetic information carried by the mRNA is decoded to produce a specific amino acid chain or polypeptide. The process involves the lining up of amino acids in order as transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules align with complementary bases on the mRNA.

During translation, the mRNA is read three nucleotides at a time, called codons, which correspond to specific amino acids. The tRNA carries the matching amino acid to the ribosome to add it to the growing polypeptide chain. This process continues until the entire mRNA sequence is translated into a complete polypeptide chain.

Once the polypeptide chain is formed, it undergoes further folding and modification to form a functional protein that carries out specific tasks in the cell. Translation is a crucial step in the process of protein synthesis and is essential for the proper functioning of living organisms.