What is Translation?

After the messenger RNA (mRNA) is produced through the transcription process just described, the mRNA is processed in the nucleus and then released into the cytosol.

The mRNA is then recognized by the ribosomal subunits present in the cytosol and the message is 'read' by the ribosome to produce a protein. The information for the direction of protein formation is encoded in the sequence of nucleotides that make up the mRNA. Groups of three nucleotides (called codons) are 'read' by the ribosome and lead to the addition of a particular amino acid into the growing polypeptide (protein). The process is depicted schematically in the animation below.

After the protein is formed it acquires its active folded state and is able to perform its functions in the cell. The proper folding, transportation, activity and eventual destruction of proteins are all highly regulated processes.

The genes that control these processes are often damaged and not functioning properly in cancer cells.

More information on this topic may be found in Chapter 1 of The Biology of Cancer by Robert A. Weinberg.