Final answer:
Termination of translation occurs when a stop codon is recognized by a release factor, leading to the hydrolysis of peptidyl tRNA and the release of the polypeptide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Termination of translation occurs when a stop codon is encountered in the A site of the ribosome. Once the stop codon is recognized by a release factor, it contributes to the hydrolysis of the peptidyl tRNA, the release of the free polypeptide and last tRNA from the P site, and the dissociation of the ribosomal complex into subunits.