Final answer:
In prokaryotic cells, the tRNA carrying N-formylmethionine (tRNAfMet) binds to the P site of the small ribosomal subunit during the formation of the initiation complex in translation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To which site does the transfer RNA carrying N-formylmethionine (tRNAfMet) bind when forming the initiation complex in prokaryotic cells?
In prokaryotic cells, during the formation of the initiation complex in translation, the tRNA carrying N-formylmethionine (tRNAfMet) binds to the P site of the small ribosomal subunit.
The process begins when the small ribosomal subunit, along with initiation factors and the initiator tRNA, attaches to the start codon of the mRNA.
This initiator tRNA, which is unique in carrying a formylated methionine (fMet), is then positioned in the ribosome's P site, setting the prokaryotic initiation complex for peptide chain synthesis with a free A site that is ready to accept the next incoming tRNA corresponding to the mRNA sequence.
The 50S ribosomal subunit subsequently joins to complete the formation of the functional ribosome.