What is translation in protein synthesis?

Translation is the phase of protein synthesis during which the genetic code carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) is decoded to assemble a sequence of amino acids, which will ultimately fold into a functional protein. This process occurs in the ribosome, where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings the appropriate amino acids to match the sequence of codons (three-nucleotide sequences) present in the mRNA.

During translation, ribosomes facilitate the interaction between the mRNA and tRNA, ensuring that the correct amino acids are linked in the specific order dictated by the sequence of the mRNA. The amino acids are then connected by peptide bonds, forming a polypeptide chain that will fold into a three-dimensional protein. This function is essential for the expression of genes and for the production of cellular proteins necessary for a wide range of biological functions.

Understanding this process is crucial as it forms a core concept in molecular biology, demonstrating how genetic information leads to the synthesis of proteins, which serve as critical components of cells and tissues.