During translation, the tRNA that holds the growing protein chain sits in the P site (peptidyl site) of the ribosome.

Quick Scoop: Where that tRNA is

  • The ribosome has three main tRNA binding sites:
    • A site = aminoacyl site (incoming tRNA with a new amino acid)
* P site = peptidyl site (tRNA carrying the growing polypeptide chain)

* E site = exit site (tRNA about to leave, no amino acid attached)
  • After each new peptide bond forms, the growing chain is transferred to the tRNA in the A site, and then the ribosome shifts so that this tRNA moves into the P site.
  • So, at any given elongation step, the tRNA attached to the growing protein is located in the ribosome’s P site (on the large and small subunit interface, in the peptidyltransferase center of the large subunit).

Super-short answer (for memorization)

During translation, the tRNA attached to the growing protein is bound in the P site (peptidyl site) of the ribosome.

Meta description (SEO):
A clear explanation of “where is the tRNA that is attached to the growing protein during translation?” Learn how tRNA moves through A, P, and E sites and which site holds the growing chain.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.