The six nucleotides preceding the start codon and the first nucleotide after the start codon in eukaryotes exhibit strong sequence conservation as determined by the percentages of nucleotides in the  to  positions and the  position (see Problem 34). Use the data given in the table for Problem 35 to determine the seven nucleotides that most commonly surround the start in vertebrates.

Key Concepts

Start Codon

The start codon is a specific sequence of nucleotides in mRNA that signals the beginning of translation. In eukaryotes, the most common start codon is AUG, which codes for the amino acid methionine. Understanding the location and function of the start codon is crucial for analyzing gene expression and protein synthesis.

Nucleotide Sequence Conservation

Nucleotide sequence conservation refers to the preservation of specific sequences of nucleotides across different species or within a species over time. High conservation indicates that these sequences are functionally important, often involved in critical biological processes such as initiation of translation. Analyzing conserved sequences can provide insights into evolutionary relationships and gene function.

Vertebrate Genomic Data

Vertebrate genomic data encompasses the genetic information derived from vertebrate species, which can be analyzed to identify common patterns in nucleotide sequences surrounding start codons. This data is essential for understanding evolutionary biology and the mechanisms of gene regulation. By examining this data, researchers can determine which nucleotides are most frequently found in specific positions relative to the start codon.