Introducing: Translation and the mRNA Molecule

Translation is a key process in biological lifeforms. It is this set of events that transforms the code contained in DNA and later mRNA into the proteins necessary for cellular life. The following images attempt to illustrate translation and emphasize some of its most important steps. Clicking on each of the thumbnail images will bring up a larger, labeled version of the described scene.

To see the Quicktime 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.

1.) mRNA ~~~> 2.) Initiation ~~~> 3.) Elongation ~~~> 4.) Termination