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Translation Termination

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Translation termination occurs when a stop codon reaches site A, where a release factor, not a tRNA, binds and frees the protein.

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A release factor recognizes stop codon UAA, UAG, or UGA at site A and triggers hydrolysis, releasing the finished polypeptide.

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No tRNA carries an anticodon matching a stop codon — a release factor's shape mimics tRNA closely enough to bind.