Figure 2. An empty transfer RNA detaches from its site on the ribosome, which moves forward along the mRNA to wait for the next tRNA with its bound peptide. The bound peptide will attach to the growing polypeptide chain. Source: Principles of Biochemistry, by A. L. Lehninger: Worth Publishers, Inc., New York, N.Y., p. 889, 1982. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.