Translation: Advanced Look --> 1.) The mRNA Molecule

Before translation of the mRNA molecule can begin, it must fit certain requirements. The following images attempt to illustrate some of these required post-processing features. Clicking on each of the thumbnail images will bring up a larger, labeled version of the described scene.

To see the Flash movie for the following sequence of images, click here.

	Eukaryotic mRNA has unique features. Before it can be translated, it must be processed and modified.
	One of the specific features it must have is a Poly A tail.
	The 'readable' portion of mRNA consists of codons for inidvidual amino acids, show here with colors. Each color represents a codon for a unique amino acid.
	A cap is also added to the mRNA. This cap is neccessary for the stability of the mRNA molecule.

NEXT --> 2.) INITIATION