🍂
FALL INTO SAVINGS SAVE UP TO 25%
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Biochemistry
/
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology
/
Translation: Initiation

Master Translation: Initiation with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Translation: Initiation

Translation: Initiation

Train-lotion and Initiation-screen
Picmonic
Translation is the process of creating proteins from the genetic code. It begins with an AUG codon that signals the start of translation. This AUG codon is read on the mRNA template. The initiation complex forms and consists of mRNA, initiator tRNA, and both small and large ribosomal subunits. This formation is assisted by GTP and initiation factor, which help bring the complex together. In response to the first AUG codon, a Met-tRNA will bring the first amino acid, methionine. The chain of amino acids is created in elongation as the ribosome reads the codons in a 5' to 3' direction. tRNA molecules continue to bring in the appropriate amino acids with matching anti-codon sequences and the peptide chain is extended until a stop codon is reached.
8 KEY FACTS
TRANSLATION: INITIATION
Ribosome Binds mRNA
Rabbit-Zombie binds to Mail-(RNA)-rhino

The mRNA is bound to by a ribosomal complex. This complex reads the mRNA in the 5’ to 3’ direction, looking for the start codon sequence, which is a signal for the initiation complex to be assembled.

Complex Reads 5' to 3'
Reading-book from (5) Hand to (3) Tree

The ribosomal unit that attaches to the mRNA reads this nucleic acid in the 5’ to 3’ direction.

AUG Start Codon
AUG-calendar Starting-line Condom

The AUG codon is the classic start codon for translation, and codes for methionine. When this codon is encountered, protein translation starts.

Initiation Complex Forms
Initiation-screen on Complex-building

The initiation complex forms, consisting of mRNA, initiator tRNA, small ribosomal subunits, and large ribosomal subunits.

GTP and Initiation Factor Bring Complex Together
Gold-TP bringing Complex-building together

GTP and initiation factor are a nucleotide and a protein that help bring the complex together. They work to do this when they encounter the components of the initiation complex, such as the mRNA, initiator tRNA, small ribosomal subunits and large ribosomal subunits.

Met-tRNA Binds P Site
transformer-Rhino with METS binds to (P) Pea

Met-tRNA brings the first amino acid because the start codon, AUG, codes for methionine. The tRNA component binds to the P site on the mRNA.

tRNA With Bound Amino Acids Binds A Site
transformer-Rhino with Amigo Acidic-lemon binds to (A) Apple

tRNAs bring in matching amino acids, because they have an anti-codon region that matches up to specific mRNA codons. These matching anti-codons have amino acids attached to their 3' tail. In translation, these tRNAs bind to the A site.

Amino Acid Chain Created in Elongation
Chain of Amigo-lemons and Long-john

In elongation, the amino acid chain is created by joining each of the new amino acids brought in by tRNA.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Nucleus
picmonic thumbnail
Chromosome and DNA
picmonic thumbnail
Chromosome Forms
picmonic thumbnail
Chromosome Components
picmonic thumbnail
DNA Base Pairing

Take the Translation: Initiation Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,960,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.