Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Start Codon
The start codon is a specific sequence of nucleotides in mRNA that signals the beginning of translation. It is typically the codon AUG, which codes for the amino acid methionine. The presence of the start codon is crucial for ribosomes to initiate protein synthesis.
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1) Initiation of Translation
mRNA Structure
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. The mRNA has a 5′ cap and a 3′ poly-A tail, with untranslated regions (UTRs) at both ends that play roles in regulation and stability, but do not code for proteins.
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Transcription and Translation
Transcription is the process by which DNA is copied into mRNA, while translation is the subsequent process where ribosomes read the mRNA sequence to synthesize proteins. The start codon is essential for translation, as it marks the site where the ribosome begins to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.
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Review of Transcription vs. Translation