In translation, mRNA codons base-pair with tRNA anticodons carrying specific amino acids. Codon order determines order of tRNA molecules and sequence of amino acids in polypeptides. Protein synthesis involves chain initiation, chain elongation, chain termination. Initiation factor proteins are required to bring necessary translation components together. The polypeptide is transferred and attached by a peptide bond to the newly arrived amino acid.
Reaction is catalyzed by a ribozyme, which is part of the larger subunit.
The tRNA molecule in the P site leaves. The complete cycle is rapidly repeated, about 15 times per second in Escherichia coli . Termination of polypeptide synthesis occurs at stop codon that does not code for amino acid. Every three bases of mRNA is a codon that codes for an amino acid. Messenger RNA is processed before it leaves nucleus, during which time the introns are removed.