1. Occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell
2. mRNA molecule attaches to a ribosome after leaving the nucleus via a nuclear pore
3. Ribosomes consist of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
4. rRNA is a stable molecule that allows mRNA to attach to the ribosome and is aligned correctly ready for the synthesis of the polypeptide chain
5. tRNA (transfer RNA) molecules have a triplet of unpaired bases at one end (known as the anticodon) and a region where a specific amino acid can attach at the other
6. tRNA molecules bind with their specific amino acids (also in the cytoplasm) and bring them to the mRNA molecule on the ribosome
7. The triplet of bases (anticodon) on each tRNA molecule pairs with a complementary triplet (codon) on the mRNA molecule
8. Two tRNA molecules fit onto the ribosome at any one time, bringing the amino acid they are each carrying side by side
9. A peptide bond is then formed (via a condensation reaction) between the two amino acids
10. This reaction is catalysed by the rRNA subunits of the ribosome
11. This process continues until a 'stop' codon on the mRNA molecule is reached – this acts as a signal for translation to stop and at this point the amino acid chain coded for by the mRNA molecule is complete
12. The amino acid chain then forms the final polypeptide
