Final answer:
The mRNA sequence AUG serves as the start codon and codes for methionine, initiating protein synthesis. UGA is a stop codon that signals the end of protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mRNA sequence AUG is critically important in biology as it serves two functions. It is known as the start codon and is responsible for signaling the beginning of protein synthesis. Moreover, AUG codes for the amino acid methionine, which is incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain as the first amino acid during translation.
On the other hand, the mRNA sequence UGA is one of the three stop codons, which include UAA and UAG. These stop codons do not code for any amino acid and are essential for signaling the end of the protein synthesis, leading to the release of the newly synthesized polypeptide from the translation machinery.