Question

Release factors appear to be "molecular mimics", resembling the structure of ______.

Answer 1

Release factors resemble the structure of tRNA and help terminate protein translation by recognizing the stop codon on mRNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

Release factors are proteins that help terminate protein translation by recognizing the stop codon on mRNA. These release factors mimic the structure of tRNA, allowing them to bind to the ribosome and catalyze the release of the completed protein chain. The release factors resemble the structure of tRNA, with three domains:

1. The N-terminal domain, which interacts with the decoding center of the ribosome.
2. The central domain, which binds to the peptidyl transferase center of the ribosome.
3. The C-terminal domain, which recognizes the stop codon and triggers the release of the protein chain.

By mimicking the structure of tRNA, the release factors facilitate the termination of protein synthesis and ensure the accurate and timely completion of protein chains.