key term - Initiation factors

Definition

Initiation factors are proteins that play a crucial role in the early stages of translation by facilitating the assembly of the ribosome and initiator tRNA on the mRNA strand. They ensure that the translation process begins accurately and efficiently.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Initiation factors are essential for the formation of the initiation complex in protein synthesis.
2. In prokaryotes, key initiation factors include IF-1, IF-2, and IF-3.
3. Eukaryotic cells use a more complex set of initiation factors, such as eIFs (e.g., eIF1, eIF2).
4. The binding of initiation factors to the small ribosomal subunit is an ATP or GTP-dependent process.
5. Incorrect function or regulation of initiation factors can lead to diseases such as cancer due to improper protein synthesis.

Review Questions

Related terms

Ribosome:

A molecular machine composed of rRNA and proteins that synthesizes polypeptides based on mRNA sequences.

mRNA:

Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

tRNA:

Transfer RNA that brings specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation.