Protein Translation

What is Protein Translation?

Translation is the process by which the ribosome reads a messenger RNA in three-nucleotide codons and builds a protein from amino acids. This tool applies the standard genetic code to a DNA or RNA coding sequence, reading frame 1 from the start of the sequence.

How to Use This Translator

Quick guide to get results:

1. Paste a DNA or RNA coding sequence
2. The protein (amino acids) appears instantly
3. Copy or download the translated protein

When to Use

This tool is useful when you need to:

• Predict the protein encoded by a gene or ORF
• Verify the reading frame of a construct
• Convert a cDNA or mRNA to its amino-acid sequence
• Teach the genetic code and codon usage

Example Input

Sample coding sequence:

Try with your own sequence or use the Example button.

Example Output

Translated protein (1-letter codes):

* marks a stop codon. Results can be copied or downloaded.

FAQ

Q: Can I paste DNA or RNA?
A: Both. Uracil (U) is read as thymine (T), so mRNA and cDNA both translate correctly.

Q: What do * and X mean?
A: * is a stop codon (TAA, TAG or TGA) and X marks a codon containing non-standard bases.