tRNA/mRNA Mimicry by tmRNA and SmpB in Trans-Translation

Figure 1

Schematic model of trans-translation. Ala-tmRNA receives the nascent polypeptide from peptidyl-tRNA in the P-site of the stalled ribosome to add a tag peptide. Trans-translation allows recycling of the ribosomes and promotes degradation of both truncated mRNAs and aberrant polypeptides from truncated mRNAs.