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Ch. 7 - Microbial Genetics
Bauman - Microbiology with Diseases by Taxonomy 6th Edition
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 7, Problem 8

In translation, the site through which tRNA molecules leave a ribosome is called the:
a. A site
b. X site
c. P site
d. E site

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1
Recall the three main sites on a ribosome involved in translation: the A site (aminoacyl site), the P site (peptidyl site), and the E site (exit site).
Understand the function of each site: the A site is where the incoming tRNA carrying an amino acid binds, the P site holds the tRNA with the growing polypeptide chain, and the E site is where tRNA molecules exit the ribosome after their amino acid has been added.
Identify that the question asks specifically for the site through which tRNA molecules leave the ribosome.
Match this function to the correct site name, which is the E site (exit site).
Confirm that the correct answer corresponds to option d. E site.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ribosome Structure and Function

Ribosomes are molecular machines in cells that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA sequences. They have three key sites—A (aminoacyl), P (peptidyl), and E (exit)—which coordinate the entry, peptide bond formation, and exit of tRNA molecules during translation.
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tRNA Role in Translation

Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring specific amino acids to the ribosome, matching their anticodon with the mRNA codon. After delivering their amino acid, tRNAs move through the ribosome sites and eventually exit, allowing the process to continue efficiently.
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The E Site in Translation

The E site (exit site) is the location on the ribosome where tRNA molecules, having transferred their amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain, leave the ribosome. This site ensures proper recycling of tRNAs during protein synthesis.
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