Genetic translation is the process of converting genetic information from DNA to RNA, and eventually to proteins. The spelling of this term is based on the phonetic transcription of each syllable. The first syllable "ge-" is pronounced as /dʒiː/, the letter "n" is pronounced as /n/ and the vowel "e" is pronounced as /ɛ/. The second syllable "tic" is pronounced as /tɪk/. The third syllable "trans-la-tion" is pronounced as /trænsˈleɪʃən/. Together, the phonetic transcription of genetic translation is /dʒiːˈnɛtɪk ˌtrænsˈleɪʃən/.
Genetic translation refers to the biological process by which the sequence of genetic information stored in a molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA) is decoded and translated into a specific sequence of amino acids, resulting in the synthesis of a protein. It is a key step in gene expression and essential for the proper functioning of all living organisms.
During genetic translation, mRNA acts as a messenger molecule and carries the genetic instructions from the DNA to the ribosomes, the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. The process involves several steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. Initiation begins with the binding of the small ribosomal subunit to the mRNA, followed by the recruitment of the large ribosomal subunit. Elongation involves the sequential addition of amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain, according to the codons of the mRNA. Finally, termination occurs when a stop codon is encountered, and the ribosome releases the completed protein.
The genetic code, consisting of codons made up of three nucleotides each, determines the translation of mRNA into proteins. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a start/stop signal. The ribosome reads the codons and matches them with the corresponding tRNA molecules carrying the appropriate amino acid. Through this process, the genetic information encoded in the DNA is accurately translated into the amino acid sequence that forms the foundation of protein synthesis.
The word "genetic translation" is a combination of the terms "genetic" and "translation", each with their own etymology.
1. Genetic:
The term "genetic" derives from the Greek word "genetikos", which means "pertaining to generation or origin". It is derived from the Greek word "genesis", meaning "birth" or "origin". In the 18th century, "genetic" was introduced into English as an adjective to describe characteristics or properties related to heredity and inheritance.
2. Translation:
The term "translation" has Latin roots. It is derived from the Latin word "translatio", which means "to carry across" or "to transfer". In the context of language, it originally referred to the act of rendering text from one language to another.