Question

List the components required for translation. Describe the relative sizes of these different components. In other words, which components are small molecules, macromolecules, or assemblies of macromolecules?

Short answer

Components of translation include mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, amino acids, and various enzymes. The mRNA and tRNA are macromolecules, while amino acids are small molecules. Ribosomes are assemblies of macromolecules, and enzymes involved in the process are macromolecules as well.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Components of Translation

The translation process involves several crucial components. These are:\n1. Messenger RNA (mRNA), \n2. Transfer RNA (tRNA), \n3. Ribosomes, \n4. Amino acids, and \n5. Various enzymes involved in the process (ligase etc.)

Describe Relative Sizes of the Components

1. mRNA: These are macromolecules that carry the genetic code for protein synthesis from DNA.\n2. tRNA: These are smaller than mRNA but still classified as macromolecules, they transport specific amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.\n3. Ribosomes: They are assemblies of macromolecules and are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.\n4. Amino acids: These are small molecules that are brought to the ribosome by tRNA for protein synthesis.\n5. Enzymes: Complex proteins that facilitate binding processes, all enzymes are large scale macromolecules.