The elongation cycle involves several steps where elongation factors perform distinct roles:
EF-Tu/eEF1A binds to aminoacyl-tRNA and GTP, guiding the tRNA to the ribosome's A-site. Upon correct codon-anticodon matching, GTP is hydrolyzed, and EF-Tu/eEF1A is released. Peptide bond formation occurs, transferring the growing peptide to the tRNA in the A-site. EF-G/eEF2 binds to the ribosome, causing translocation of the ribosome along the mRNA. The A-site becomes available for the next aminoacyl-tRNA, and the cycle repeats.
