Translation or Protein Synthesis

Once the genetic information describing how to build a protein is transcribed to RNA, it has to be "translated" into the "language" of the protein. The sequence of bases on the RNA forms a code for the amino acid building blocks of the protein.

The construction of the proteins is carried out on the ribosomes of the host cell. There are free floating ribosomes where proteins are built for functions in the cytoplasm. Those proteins which are to be used as part of the cell membrane or transported outside the cell are manufactured on ribosomes which are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.