Question

What increases the efficiency of translation initiation in prokaryotes?

Answer 1

Translation initiation efficiency in prokaryotes can be increased through factors such as the ribosome binding site, initiation factors, GTP, special initiator tRNA, and proper mRNA structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The efficiency of translation initiation in prokaryotes can be increased by several factors:

1. Ribosome binding site: In prokaryotes, the Shine-Dalgarno sequence, located upstream of the start codon, helps facilitate the binding of the mRNA to the small ribosomal subunit, promoting translation initiation.
2. Initiation factors: Three initiation factors, IF-1, IF-2, and IF-3, are involved in assembling the initiation complex and ensuring the proper positioning of the ribosome and initiator tRNA.
3. GTP as an energy source: GTP provides the energy required for the ribosome to assemble and start protein synthesis.
4. Special initiator tRNA: In prokaryotes, a special initiator tRNA carrying N-formyl-methionine (fMet-tRNAMet) interacts with the start codon AUG of the mRNA, initiating translation.
5. Proper mRNA structure: The secondary structure of the mRNA, including regions like hairpins and stem-loops, can affect translation initiation efficiency.

By optimizing these factors, prokaryotes can enhance translation initiation, leading to more efficient protein synthesis.