ReadthroughWritethrough

ReadthroughWritethrough is a term used in the field of molecular biology to describe the process by which a ribosome translates a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence into a protein. The term is composed of two parts: "readthrough" and "writethrough."

Readthrough refers to the ribosome's ability to continue translating an mRNA sequence even after encountering a premature stop codon. This can occur due to various factors, such as the presence of a suppressor tRNA that can pair with the stop codon, or the presence of a frameshift mutation that alters the reading frame of the mRNA. Readthrough can result in the synthesis of a truncated or non-functional protein, or in the synthesis of a protein with a different amino acid sequence than intended.

Writethrough, on the other hand, refers to the process by which a ribosome can continue to translate an mRNA sequence even after encountering a mutation in the mRNA that results in the incorporation of a non-standard amino acid into the growing protein chain. This can occur due to the presence of a tRNA that can pair with the mutated codon and incorporate a non-standard amino acid, such as selenocysteine or pyrrolysine.

ReadthroughWritethrough is an important process in the regulation of gene expression and protein synthesis, as it allows for the synthesis of proteins with modified amino acid sequences or truncated proteins that can still perform a biological function. However, it can also lead to the synthesis of non-functional proteins or proteins with altered biological activity, which can have significant implications for cellular function and disease.