In the process of translation, what would you expect to find bound to the stop codon at the A site of the ribosome?

• A. An aminoacyl-tRNA
• B. A peptidyl transferase
• C. A ribosomal subunit
• D. A release factor

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of translation: Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template. It involves initiation, elongation, and termination phases.
2. Identify the role of the stop codon: The stop codon is a nucleotide triplet within mRNA that signals the end of translation. Common stop codons include UAA, UAG, and UGA.
3. Recognize what happens at the A site during termination: During the termination phase, the A site of the ribosome is where the stop codon is recognized.
4. Explain the function of release factors: Release factors are proteins that bind to the stop codon at the A site, facilitating the release of the newly synthesized polypeptide chain from the ribosome.
5. Conclude the process: Once the release factor binds to the stop codon, it triggers the disassembly of the translation complex, allowing the ribosome subunits to separate and the mRNA to be released.