Diagram showing translation. At the start codon of the mRNA (AUG) the following attach: a tRNA with the anticodon UAC and containing the first amino acid, the large ribosomal subunit (a dome) and the small ribosomal subunit (a flat oval). During initiation, translational complex forms, and tRNA brings the first amino acid in polypeptide chain to bind to start codon om mRNA. At this point the tRNA is attached to the middle binding site (P) of the ribosome. The 3 sites from left to right are E, P, A. During elongation, tRNAs bring amino acids one by one to add to polypeptide chain. In the diagram, a tRNA with a long chain of circles is in the P site, a tRNA with a single circle is in the A site, and a tRNA without any circles is leaving from the E site. During termination, release factor recognizes stop codon, translational complex dissociates, and complete polypeptide is released. In the diagram a tRNA with a long strand is attached to the P site and a release factor (red shape) is attached to the stop codon in the mRNA which is now under the A site. Next the completed polypeptide leaves and all the other components dissociate from each other.