Initiation Complex

Definition

The initiation complex is a structure formed by the union of various components necessary to start protein synthesis, including mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomal subunits.

Related terms

Ribosome:

A cell organelle that functions as the site of protein synthesis.

mRNA (Messenger RNA):

This molecule carries coding sequences for protein synthesis from DNA to the ribosomes where proteins are made.

tRNA (Transfer RNA):

This molecule brings amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis based on the code provided by mRNA.