Molecular Biology
Translation (Biology)
The process by which ribosomes decode messenger RNA to build proteins. Each three-nucleotide codon specifies one amino acid, creating a polypeptide chain according to the genetic code.
Biological Context
Translation is the final step of gene expression—DNA to RNA to protein. Ribosomes read mRNA and assemble amino acids delivered by transfer RNA. Translation speed and accuracy are tightly regulated. Antibiotics often work by blocking bacterial translation.
Business Application
Organizational translation: converting plans and strategies into action. Like biological translation, business translation requires machinery (teams, processes) and follows codes (procedures, standards). Translation errors cause execution failures.