First, there's the initiation stage when a ribosome binds to the initiation codon in messenger RNA (mRNA) and the translation initiation complex forms by recruiting additional components.
Second, there's the elongation stage when the elongation complex moves along the mRNA translating the coding region and producing a polypeptide chain. The elongation rate is relatively constant but from time to time the elongation complex pauses at particular sites that are difficult to translate.
Finally, the elongation complex encounters a termination site where it disassembles and the ribosome with its various factors is released from the mRNA.
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