DNA TRANSCRIPTION

The process of copying the information from DNA to RNA is called transcription. Whereas, translation is the process of converting information in mRNA into a sequence of amino
acids in a protein.

As translation begins, mRNA binds to a ribosome. Then, tRNA molecules, each carrying a specific
amino acid, approach the ribosome. The tRNA anticodon pairs with the first mRNA (start) codon
adenine-uracil-guanine (AUG), to form the initiation complex. The two molecules temporarily join
together.

Usually, the first codon on mRNA is AUG, which codes for the amino acid methionine. AUG signals the
start of protein synthesis. Then, the ribosome slides along the mRNA to the next codon.

A new tRNA molecule carrying an amino acid pairs with the second mRNA codon.
When the first and second amino acids are in place, an enzyme joins them by forming a peptide bond
between them.

(Polypeptide chain)
As the process continues, a chain of amino acids is formed until the ribosome reaches a stop codon
(e.g., UAA, UAG, UGA) on the mRNA strand. This is now the termination stage. The polypeptide chain
is released. Protein synthesis is complete.
Anticodon

Below is the table of mRNA codons with its corresponding amino acids.

Example:
DNA strand: TAC-AAT-GCA-TGT-ACA-TGA-TCA-ATT
mRNA: AUG-UUA-CGU-ACA-UGU-ACU-AGU-UAA
tRNA: UAC-AAU-GCA-UGU-ACA-UGA-UCA-AUU
Amino Acid: Met-Leu-Arg-Thr-Cys-Thr-Ser-Stop