BRAINCAKEPolysomes
A single mRNA molecule does not have to be translated by just one ribosome at a time. As soon as one ribosome has moved a short way along the mRNA, another ribosome can attach at the start codon and begin translating behind it. A group of ribosomes translating the same mRNA molecule at the same time is called a polysome (or polyribosome).
Under the electron microscope a polysome looks like a string of beads: the ribosomes are the beads and the mRNA is the thread.
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Key terms in this lesson
- mrna
- Messenger RNA: a single-stranded RNA molecule, made by transcription, that carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes for translation.
More in DNA, Genes and Protein Synthesis
- rRNA
- Protein Synthesis
- Transcription
- Translation
- Mutations
- Gene Mutation
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Chromosome Mutations
All 20 lessons in DNA, Genes and Protein Synthesis · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics