Here's how it works:
1. Transcription: The DNA sequence is read and copied into a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. This process is terminated by specific DNA sequences called termination signals.
2. Translation: The mRNA molecule travels to a ribosome, where it is read and translated into a protein.
Here's how translation is terminated:
* Stop codons: The mRNA sequence contains specific codons that signal the end of the protein sequence. These are called stop codons (UAA, UAG, and UGA).
* Release factors: When the ribosome encounters a stop codon, proteins called release factors bind to the ribosome.
* Ribosome dissociation: The release factors cause the ribosome to dissociate from the mRNA, releasing the newly synthesized protein.
So, while the term "translation" isn't directly terminated, the process is stopped by a series of events triggered by the presence of stop codons in the mRNA sequence.