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    Bacterial protein synthesis

    Bacterial ribosomes consist of a 30S and a 50S subunit. Translation of the RNA into protein occurs on the ribosomal complex. Transfer RNA carrying a specific amino acid binds with its anti-codon to the codon on the mRNA on the aminoacyl-tRNA binding-site (A-site; initiation) and will be transferred to the peptidyl-tRNA-binding site (P-site). The next amino acid brought by tRNA will bind the complex on the A-site next to the first tRNA (elongation).

    The growing peptide chain attached to the tRNA on the P-site is transferred to the tRNA on the A-site (transpeptidation). The empty tRNA on the P-site is released and the tRNA with the peptide chain is translocated from the A-site to the P-site (translocation).

    1

    Drugs that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis are mostly bactericidal. 

    2

    Both humans and bacteria have 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits. 

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