1. What is mRNA Translation?

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the genetic information carried in messenger RNA (mRNA). This calculator translates an mRNA sequence into the corresponding amino acid sequence using the standard genetic code.

2. How Translation Works

The translation process involves three main steps:

1. Initiation: The ribosome assembles around the start codon (AUG)
2. Elongation: Each codon is read and the corresponding amino acid is added
3. Termination: The process stops when a stop codon is encountered

3. The Genetic Code

Details: The genetic code is a set of rules by which information encoded in mRNA sequences is translated into amino acid sequences. It is nearly universal across all organisms.

Key features:

• Each codon consists of 3 nucleotides
• 64 possible codons (4³ combinations)
• 61 codons specify amino acids
• 3 codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) are stop signals
• AUG codes for Methionine and serves as start codon

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions:

1. Enter a valid mRNA sequence (only A, C, G, U characters)
2. The sequence will be automatically converted to uppercase
3. Non-RNA characters will be removed
4. The sequence is read in 3-nucleotide codons
5. Each codon is translated to its corresponding amino acid

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does the asterisk (*) mean in the output?
A: The asterisk represents a stop codon (UAA, UAG, or UGA) which signals the end of protein synthesis.

Q2: What if my mRNA sequence isn't divisible by 3?
A: The calculator will ignore any remaining 1 or 2 nucleotides at the end of the sequence.

Q3: Can I use DNA instead of mRNA?
A: This calculator expects mRNA (U instead of T). For DNA sequences, first convert T to U.

Q4: What about reading frames?
A: This calculator assumes the standard reading frame (starting at the first nucleotide). For alternative frames, you would need to offset the sequence.

Q5: Are there any special cases not handled?
A: This calculator uses the standard genetic code. Special cases like mitochondrial DNA or alternative genetic codes would require modification.