Final answer:
In prokaryotic cells, the tRNA carrying N-formylmethionine (tRNAfMet) binds to the P site of the ribosome during the formation of the initiation complex.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transfer RNA carrying N-formylmethionine (tRNAfMet) binds to the P site of the ribosome when forming the initiation complex in prokaryotic cells. This special initiator tRNA is distinct from the tRNA that inserts methionine during elongation. The fMet-tRNAfMet, with the help from initiation factors, particularly IF-2, forms an initiation complex by binding directly to the P site, creating an initiation complex with a free A site ready to accept the tRNA corresponding to the first codon after AUG. This process is critical in starting the synthesis of a polypeptide, as it sets the correct reading frame for translation.