The codon AUG starts translation, and the codons UGA, UAA, and UAG stop translation. It acts as a messenger to carry information stored in the DNA in the nucleus to the cytoplasm where the ribosomes on the E. R. can translate it to synthesize protein molecules. Each three mRNA bases in a row forms a codon that specifies a particular amino acid. It carries each amino acid to the ribosome. This anticodon is complementary to a particular codon of an mRNA molecule.
Ribosomes structurally support and catalyze protein synthesis.
The introns, magenta colored sections, are cut out by enzymes in the nucleus. The exons , the black sections, are spliced back together by other enzymes and sent out to the ribosomes for translation. The abreviations of the amino acids are lined up with the codons in the exons so you can see the primary structure of the protein beta-globin. Now, let's pull it all together Transcription and Translation - Graphic Representation from the University of Virginia Biol 121, Human Biology, at the University of Virginia. Additional changes are made to the protein before it can perform its function.