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Multiple Choice
In eukaryotes, which of the following is the first step in translation?
A
Translocation of the ribosome along the mRNA
B
Peptide bond formation between the first two amino acids
C
Release of the completed polypeptide chain
D
Binding of the small ribosomal subunit to the 5' cap of mRNA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template. In eukaryotes, translation involves initiation, elongation, and termination phases.
Focus on the initiation phase, which begins with the binding of the small ribosomal subunit to the mRNA. This step is crucial for positioning the ribosome at the correct starting point for translation.
Recognize that in eukaryotes, the small ribosomal subunit specifically binds to the 5' cap of the mRNA. The 5' cap is a modified guanine nucleotide added to the mRNA during transcription, which helps protect the mRNA and facilitates ribosome binding.
After the small ribosomal subunit binds to the 5' cap, it scans along the mRNA in the 5' to 3' direction to locate the start codon (AUG), which signals the beginning of translation.
Once the start codon is identified, the large ribosomal subunit joins the small subunit, forming a complete ribosome. This marks the end of the initiation phase and prepares the ribosome for peptide bond formation during elongation.