How is translation terminated?

• A. A stop codon is recognized by release factors, which promote hydrolysis of the polypeptide from the tRNA.
• B. The ribosome reaches the stop codon again and reinitiates elongation.
• C. tRNA is degraded and ribosome falls apart.
• D. Release factors ensure translation continues past stop codon.

Answer: (D)

Translation termination occurs when the ribosome encounters a stop codon in the A site, recognized by release factors. These factors trigger hydrolysis of the bond between the polypeptide and the tRNA, releasing the finished protein. After release, the ribosome, mRNA, and factors are recycled so the components can be reused in future rounds of translation. The other ideas would imply continued elongation, degradation of tRNA, or keeping translation going past the stop signal, none of which describes how termination truly works.