Answer the following questions about the accompanying diagram.

Indicate where fMet is located in the string to the right of G. 

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the components in the diagram: A is DNA, B is RNA polymerase, C is mRNA, D is ribosome, E is tRNA, F is polypeptide chain, and G is the start codon region.
2. Understand that fMet (formylmethionine) is the first amino acid incorporated during the initiation of protein synthesis in prokaryotes.
3. Locate the start codon (AUG) on the mRNA strand, which is typically the first codon translated by the ribosome.
4. Recognize that the tRNA carrying fMet will bind to the start codon (AUG) on the mRNA at the ribosome site labeled G.
5. Conclude that fMet is located at the position where the tRNA labeled E is bound to the mRNA at the start codon near G.

Key Concepts

Translation in Genetics

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using messenger RNA (mRNA) as a template. During translation, the ribosome reads the mRNA sequence in sets of three nucleotides, known as codons, each of which corresponds to a specific amino acid. This process is crucial for gene expression and the production of proteins that perform various functions in the cell.

Start Codon and fMet

The start codon, typically AUG, signals the beginning of translation and codes for the amino acid methionine, which is often modified to form N-formylmethionine (fMet) in prokaryotes. fMet is important for initiating protein synthesis in bacteria and is recognized by the ribosome as the first amino acid in the growing polypeptide chain. Its location in the mRNA sequence is critical for proper translation initiation.

Amino Acid Sequence

The amino acid sequence of a protein is determined by the sequence of codons in the mRNA. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid, and the order of these codons dictates the structure and function of the resulting protein. Understanding the relationship between the mRNA sequence and the amino acid sequence is essential for interpreting diagrams related to translation and protein synthesis.