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Termination of Translation

Termination of Translation

The large ribosomal subunit has several important structures essential to translation. These include the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) - which is the site where the peptide bond is formed - and a large, internal, water-filled tube through which the nascent polypeptide moves. This latter structure is called the Peptide Exit Tunnel, and it begins at the PTC and spans the body of the large ribosomal subunit. During translation, as the nascent polypeptide chain is synthesized, it passes through...

Ribosome Profiling

Ribosome Profiling

Ribosome profiling or ribo-sequencing is a deep sequencing technique that produces a snapshot of active translation in a cell. It selectively sequences the mRNAs protected by ribosomes to get an insight into a cell’s translation landscape at any given point in time.
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...

Directing Proteins to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Directing Proteins to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

The organelle-specific signaling sequences direct proteins synthesized in the cytosol to their final destination like ER, mitochondria, peroxisomes, etc. Some of the proteins directed to ER are then trafficked via vesicles to other organelles within the cell or the extracellular environment through the Golgi complex. For example, the rough ER synthesizes soluble proteins for transportation to the lysosomes or secretion out of the cell. It can also synthesize transmembrane proteins that can...

Cotranslational Protein Translocation

Cotranslational Protein Translocation

Translocation of proteins across membranes is an ancient process that occurs even in bacteria and archaebacteria. In fact, the components of the translocation machinery are still conserved between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
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A sizable fraction of proteins destined for ER are first synthesized in the cell cytosol and then transported across the ER membrane–a process called post-translational translocation. Similar to cotranslationally translocated proteins, these proteins also use the Sec translocon complex to enter the ER lumen.
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Ribosomes translate genetic information encoded by messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have ribosomes. Cells that synthesize large quantities of protein—such as secretory cells in the human pancreas—can contain millions of ribosomes.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Single Molecule Fluorescence Energy Transfer Study of Ribosome Protein Synthesis

Single Molecule Fluorescence Energy Transfer Study of Ribosome Protein Synthesis

Published on: July 6, 2021

Navigating the ribosome's metastable energy landscape.

James B Munro¹, Kevin Y Sanbonmatsu, Christian M T Spahn

¹Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.

Trends in Biochemical Sciences

|August 4, 2009

Summary

Recent studies reveal the ribosome

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Structural Biology

Background:

The precise molecular mechanisms of transfer RNA (tRNA) movement within the ribosome during messenger RNA (mRNA) translation are not fully understood.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for deciphering the fundamental processes of protein synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the ordered sequence of events in ribosome translocation.
To investigate the role of tRNA 'hybrid states' in translation.
To explore the dynamic nature of the ribosome and its energy landscape.

Main Methods:

Genetic studies
Biochemical assays
Structural analyses
Kinetic studies

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Main Results:

New structural and kinetic data illuminate tRNA movements through ribosome 'hybrid states'.
The ribosome exhibits an intrinsic ability to explore multiple stable native states.
Substrates, factors, and environmental cues regulate translation by navigating the ribosome's complex energy landscape.

Conclusions:

The ribosome's dynamic nature and its interaction with various components are key to regulated translation.
A comprehensive understanding of ribosome translocation is now within reach.
The ribosome functions as a dynamic system navigating a metastable energy landscape.