Figure 6

RNA-assisted (translational) protein folding. There are three reverse and complementary regions in a mRNA (blue line, A): a-a', b-b', c-c', which fold the mRNA into a T-like shape. During the translation process the mRNA unfolds on the surface of the ribosome, but subsequently refolds, accompanied by its translated and lengthening peptide (red dotted line, B-F). The result of translation is a temporary ribonucleotide complex, which dissociates into two T-shape-like structures: the original mRNA and the properly folded protein product (G). The red circles indicate the specific, temporary attachment points between the RNA and protein (for example a basic amino acid) while the blue circles indicate amino acids with exceptionally high affinity for the attachment points (for example acidic amino acids); these capture the amino acids at the attachment point and dissociate the ribonucleoprotein complex. Transfer-RNAs are of course important participants in translation, but they are not included in this scenario.