Figure 5. The sequence of bases in mRNA that determines the sequence of amino acids in protein.

14.7 Biosynthesis of Proteins: Translation

During the synthesis, rRNA attaches to one end of the mRNA strand and travels along the strand (Figure 5). As it travels, the nucleic acid bases of mRNA are read as triplets. The tRNA that recognizes that triplet is bound and brings the amino acid coded by that triplet. The protein is constructed on tRNA and transferred from one tRNA to the next until the synthesis is completed.