Final answer:
The Shine-Dalgarno consensus sequence is a sequence found in prokaryotic mRNA, specifically E. coli mRNA, that initiates translation in prokaryotes by interacting with rRNA molecules in the ribosome.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Shine-Dalgarno consensus sequence is a sequence found in prokaryotic mRNA, specifically in E. coli mRNA. Its function is to initiate translation in prokaryotes by interacting with rRNA molecules in the ribosome.
This sequence, AGGAGG, is located upstream of the start codon (AUG) on the mRNA. It interacts with the rRNA molecules in the 30S ribosomal subunit, anchoring the ribosome at the correct location on the mRNA.
Once the ribosome is anchored, translation can begin, resulting in the production of a protein.