What is the function of the release factor during translation?

• A. It binds to the stop codon in the A site in place of a tRNA.
• B. It releases the amino acid from its tRNA to allow the amino acid to be added to the growing polypeptide.
• C. It supplies a source of energy for termination of translation and the release of the polypeptide.
• D. It releases the ribosome from the rough endoplasmic reticulum and allows the polypeptide to enter the cytosol.

Answer: (A)

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 release factor: During the termination phase of translation, the release factor is crucial for recognizing stop codons on the mRNA sequence.
3. Recognize the stop codon function: Stop codons are specific nucleotide sequences (UAA, UAG, UGA) that signal the end of protein synthesis. They do not code for any amino acids.
4. Explain the release factor's action: The release factor binds to the stop codon present in the A site of the ribosome, which triggers the release of the newly synthesized polypeptide chain from the tRNA.
5. Clarify the termination process: Once the release factor binds to the stop codon, it facilitates the disassembly of the ribosome complex, allowing the polypeptide to be released into the cytosol for further folding and processing.