Final answer:
The Shine-Dalgarno sequence is a short nucleotide sequence in prokaryotic mRNA that interacts with the ribosome to initiate translation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In prokaryotes, the Shine-Dalgarno sequence is a short nucleotide sequence (AGGAGG) located upstream of the first AUG codon in mRNA. It interacts with the rRNA molecules that compose the ribosome and helps initiate translation. The interaction between the Shine-Dalgarno sequence and the rRNA anchors the 30S ribosomal subunit at the correct location on the mRNA template.
Factors that play a role in the Shine-Dalgarno sequence include guanosine triphosphate (GTP), which acts as an energy source during translation, and initiation factor IF-III, which is required for binding of the mRNA to the 30S ribosome. These factors help ensure proper translation initiation.