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Multiple Choice
During protein synthesis, when does the polypeptide chain stop growing in length?
A
When the ribosome reaches the 5' end of the mRNA
B
When all amino acids are phosphorylated
C
When a stop codon is encountered on the mRNA
D
When the protein achieves its native tertiary structure
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of protein synthesis: Protein synthesis occurs in two main stages, transcription and translation. During translation, the ribosome reads the mRNA sequence to assemble a polypeptide chain by linking amino acids together.
Learn about codons: Codons are sequences of three nucleotides on the mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids or signal functions during translation. For example, AUG is the start codon, and UAA, UAG, and UGA are stop codons.
Recognize the role of stop codons: Stop codons do not code for any amino acid. Instead, they signal the ribosome to terminate translation, effectively stopping the elongation of the polypeptide chain.
Understand the mechanism of termination: When the ribosome encounters a stop codon on the mRNA, release factors bind to the ribosome, prompting it to release the completed polypeptide chain and disassemble the translation machinery.
Clarify misconceptions: The polypeptide chain does not stop growing when the ribosome reaches the 5' end of the mRNA, nor does it stop due to phosphorylation of amino acids or the protein achieving its tertiary structure. The correct answer is that translation stops when a stop codon is encountered on the mRNA.