Which of the following does not occur during translation's termination step?

• A. The first tRNA brings the amino acid methionine to the ribosome.
• B. The small and large ribosomal subunits separate from each other.
• C. The polypeptide is released from the ribosome.
• D. A "stop"codon is reached by the ribosome along the mRNA.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of translation in protein synthesis, which involves initiation, elongation, and termination phases.
2. During the termination phase of translation, the ribosome encounters a stop codon on the mRNA, signaling the end of the polypeptide chain synthesis.
3. Recognize that the termination step involves the release of the polypeptide chain from the ribosome, facilitated by release factors that bind to the stop codon.
4. Identify that during termination, the ribosomal subunits (small and large) dissociate from each other, allowing them to be reused for another round of translation.
5. Note that the first tRNA bringing methionine to the ribosome occurs during the initiation phase, not termination. This is a key distinction in understanding the different phases of translation.