Translation Definition: Translation is the process in which the genetic information on a mRNA molecule is made use of to make proteins. In the last section, we mentioned that genetic codes on DNA in nucleus is copied onto a mRNA molecule. The mRNA then move out of the nucleus. Here, in the cell's cytoplasm, the proteins coded on the mRNA molecule will be synthesized.  Before we look into the actual process of translation, let's talk about how is the genetic information coded in our cells. The bases on a mRNA are read in groups of 3. For example, a sequence CCGGAUCCAAGA will be read as CCG, GAU, CCA, AGA. Each of the triplets will represent one amino acid. There are 20 different amino acids in man, and these link together to form proteins. Difference in proteins occurs when the amino acids are arranged in different sequences. During Translation, a ribosome will attach itself onto the strand of mRNA molecule waiting to be translated. It will cover a single triplet code at a time. The Ribosome has sockets where tRNA molecules can be inserted. The tRNA molecules are linked to a specific amino acids at one one end, and has 3 bases at the other end. The tRNA molecule whose bases are able to pair with the triplet code on mRNA can enter the socket, and release its amino acid before leaving the socket. The ribosome will move on to the next triplet, and another tRNA will be able to enter the socket. The process repeats itself until the end of the mRNA molecule. The amino acids that are released by the tRNA will join together to form a linear chain. The sequence of amino acids is determined by the sequence of triplets on the mRNA molecule.   Relating Topics - Dominant and Recessive Alleles - Examples of Traits