The second copying step, in which amino acids are polymerized in response to the RNA information, is called translation . Here, the monks take the Latin words and find English, German or French equivalents. The product is in a different language, in our case in the language of protein sequence. The products of translation, polypeptides, are also processed , producing the mature proteins . Each of the steps and the RNA and protein processing reactions rely on signal elements within the informational molecule to signal the correct copying or processing.
Genomes are in a constant state of flux.
There are many sources of genome change. Mutations arise through damage to DNA that has not been repaired. Site-specific recombination and transposition mediated rearrangements require recognition of a specific target sequence. DNA from one organism can invade another organism's genome. Short or long sequences may under certain conditions become amplified many fold.