English: trans-Translation stages A through F. A ribosome with its RNA binding sites, designated E, P, and A, is stuck near the 3' end of a broken mRNA. The tmRNP binds to the A-site, allowing the ribosome to switch templates from the broken message onto the open reading frame of the tmRNA via the resume codon (blue GCA). Regular translation eventually resumes. Upon reaching the tmRNA stop codon (red UAA), a hybrid protein with a proteolysis tag (green beads) is released.