Question:

Which of the following amino acids initiates protein synthesis in all organisms?

Show Hint

- Universal Start Codon: AUG
- Corresponding Amino Acid: Methionine (Met)
- In prokaryotes, it is N-formylmethionine (fMet).
This is the first amino acid located at the N-terminal end of newly synthesized proteins.
  • Glycine
  • Methionine
  • Thymine
  • Proline
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using an mRNA template.
The initiation of translation is a highly conserved molecular event guided by specific start codons and initiator tRNAs.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the universal start codon on the mRNA transcript is AUG.
- This codon is recognized by a specialized initiator transfer RNA (tRNA).
- In eukaryotes, the AUG start codon recruits an initiator tRNA carrying the amino acid Methionine.
- In prokaryotes, plastids, and mitochondria, the initiator tRNA carries a modified form of this amino acid, known as N-formylmethionine (fMet).
During polypeptide chain elongation, the first amino acid incorporated at the N-terminus is always methionine (or fMet).
- Glycine and Proline are incorporated at subsequent internal positions based on the mRNA sequence.
- Thymine is a nitrogenous base found in DNA, not an amino acid.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The amino acid that starts protein synthesis in all organisms is Methionine.
Therefore, the correct option is (B).
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