Author: Mr. Kishor Kumar Tandan
Volume: 01
First Online: 2026
Pages: 200-258
DOI:

This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of translation and protein processing, emphasizing their essential roles in gene expression and cellular function. It describes the structure and functional organization of prokaryotic (70S) and eukaryotic (80S) ribosomes, the properties of the genetic code, codon usage bias, and the Wobble hypothesis. The chapter explains the molecular mechanisms of translation, including initiation, elongation, and termination, and highlights the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation. It further discusses the regulation of protein synthesis through initiation, elongation, and release factors, as well as the roles of mTOR signaling, eIFs, and microRNAs in translational control. In addition, the chapter covers major post-translational modifications such as glycosylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination, along with protein sorting, trafficking, secretory pathways, and degradation through proteasomal and lysosomal systems. Finally, it explores translational quality control mechanisms, ribosome-associated diseases, and the clinical significance of defects in translation
and protein processing. Overall, this chapter provides a strong foundation for understanding how genetic information is translated into functional proteins and how these processes are regulated in normal physiology and disease.