Figure 4: Fast-translating codons increasing cotranslational folding.

For such a domain (shown in red), slow-translation rates (left hand side) can allow for the accumulation of the off-pathway intermediate before the full-length segment comprising the domain has emerged from the exit tunnel. This effect can delay cotranslational folding because the intermediate must unfold in order for the domain to reach its folded state. In contrast, fast synthesis of the domain (right hand side) can minimize the population of the off-pathway intermediate and allow the domain to partition quickly into the folded state.