Summary
Changing the status of the RNA or the protein itself can affect the amount of protein, the function of the protein, or how long it is found in the cell. To translate the protein, a protein initiator complex must assemble on the RNA. Modifications (such as phosphorylation) of proteins in this complex can prevent proper translation from occurring. Once a protein has been synthesized, it can be modified (phosphorylated, acetylated, methylated, or ubiquitinated). These post-translational modifications can greatly impact the stability, degradation, or function of the protein.
Glossary
eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2)
protein that binds first to an mRNA to initiate translation
guanine diphosphate (GDP)
molecule that is left after the energy is used to start translation
guanine triphosphate (GTP)
energy-providing molecule that binds to eIF-2 and is needed for translation
initiation complex
protein complex containing eIF2-2 that starts translation
large 60S ribosomal subunit
second, larger ribosomal subunit that binds to the RNA to translate it into protein
proteasome
organelle that degrades proteins
small 40S ribosomal subunit
ribosomal subunit that binds to the RNA to translate it into protein