Start codon

Start codon is a specific nucleotide triplet in mRNA that signals the start of translation. It is the first codon of a messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript translated by a ribosome. In eukaryotes and Archaea, the start codon always codes for methionine in the processed protein, and in bacteria, mitochondria and plastids, it codes for formylmethionine.

Function

The start codon is often preceded by a 5' untranslated region (5' UTR). In bacteria, this includes the ribosome binding site. This codon is used as the start point for translation during the synthesis of proteins. The most common start codon is AUG.

Variations

The AUG codon is used in bacteria, archaea, viruses, and eukaryotes. However, in mitochondria, the codon AUU is used, and in plastids, the codon AUA is used. In addition, the codons CUG, GUG, and UUG are occasionally used as start codons in bacteria, mitochondria, and plastids.

See also

• Stop codon
• Codon
• Genetic code
• Translation (biology)

References

Start codon Resources
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