D1.2.6—Roles in translation
mRNA, tRNA and ribosomes have distinct roles that coordinate codon reading, amino acid delivery and peptide bond formation during translation.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- D1.2.6
- Level
- SL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing4%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks1–4
Common command terms
- Identify
- Outline
- Explain
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Swapping the roles of codons and anticodons between mRNA and tRNA.
Recent exam appearances
November 2025Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ12(b)[ 2 ]D1.2.6—Roles in translation
November 2024Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ17(b)[ 7 ]D1.2.6—Roles in translation
November 2020Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ09[ 1 ]D1.2.6—Roles in translation
May 2017Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ25(b)[ 4 ]D1.2.6—Roles in translation
May 2010Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ19[ 1 ]D1.2.6—Roles in translation
Practice this objective
Coverage 2010–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- mRNA supplies codons that are read by the ribosome.
- tRNA carries a specific amino acid and has a complementary anticodon.
- tRNA-activating enzymes attach amino acids to the correct tRNA molecules.
- Ribosomes hold mRNA and tRNA together so peptide bonds can form.