Quality control mechanisms during translation

Translation uses the genetic information in messenger RNA (mRNA) to synthes ize proteins. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are charged with an amino acid and brou ght to the ribosome, where they are paired with the corresponding trinucleo tide codon in mRNA. The amino acid is attached to the nascent polypeptide a nd the ribosome moves on to the next codon. The cycle is then repeated to p roduce a full-length protein. Proofreading and editing processes are used t hroughout protein synthesis to ensure the faithful translation of genetic i nformation. The maturation of tRNAs and mRNAs is monitored, as is the ident ity of amino acids attached to tRNAs. Accuracy is further enhanced during t he selection of aminoacyl-tRNAs on the ribosome and their base pairing with mRNA. Recent studies have begun to reveal the molecular mechanisms underpi nning quality control and go some way to explaining the phenomenal accuracy of translation first observed over three decades ago.