1. A small ribosomal subunit binds to an mRNA and the first tRNA at the start codon. 2. A stop codon is encountered on the mRNA, which signals that protein synthesis is finished. 3. The large ribosomal subunit joins the small subunit, mRNA, and tRNA complex, and a fully functional ribosome is formed. 4. The finished protein is released and the ribosomal subunits separate. 5. mRNA leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm. 6. The ribosome binds to a second tRNA with the proper anticodon. 7. New tRNAs with the proper anticodon come into the ribosome and their amino acids are added to the growing protein; old tRNAs are ejected from the ribosome. 8. The amino acids associated with the first two tRNAs are joined.