The biological process where messenger RNA (mRNA) directs the synthesis of a polypeptide chain at the ribosome is a fundamental step in gene expression. This process converts the genetic information encoded in the nucleotide sequence of mRNA into the amino acid sequence of a protein. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, each carrying a specific amino acid, recognize codons on the mRNA and deliver their corresponding amino acids to the ribosome, where they are linked together to form a growing polypeptide chain. The sequence of codons on the mRNA dictates the precise order of amino acids in the protein.
This process is essential for all living organisms, enabling the production of the proteins required for cellular structure, function, and regulation. Its accuracy is paramount to ensuring the correct synthesis of functional proteins, preventing cellular dysfunction and disease. Understanding the intricacies of this process has been a cornerstone of molecular biology, providing insights into gene regulation, protein synthesis errors, and the development of targeted therapies for genetic disorders. Historically, unraveling this mechanism has been a major achievement, advancing our comprehension of the central dogma of molecular biology.
