Final answer:
Two different tRNA molecules recognize the AUG codon in protein synthesis. The initiator tRNA binds to the AUG codon and carries the amino acid methionine to initiate translation. The second tRNA molecule adds the next amino acid to the polypeptide chain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The AUG codon serves as the start codon for protein synthesis. Two different tRNA molecules recognize the AUG codon. The first tRNA molecule is the initiator tRNA, which carries the amino acid methionine and binds to the AUG codon to initiate translation. The second tRNA molecule brings the next amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain and aligns opposite the codon next to AUG on the mRNA.