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Multiple Choice
Which of the following codons serves as both a start signal and codes for an amino acid?
A
AUG
B
UGA
C
UAA
D
UAG
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of codons in protein synthesis: Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids or signal the start or stop of protein synthesis.
Identify the start codon: In eukaryotic cells, the start codon is the sequence that signals the beginning of translation. It is also responsible for coding the first amino acid in the protein sequence.
Recognize the dual function of the start codon: The start codon not only signals the start of translation but also codes for a specific amino acid, methionine.
Examine the given options: AUG, UGA, UAA, and UAG. Determine which of these codons serves as a start signal and codes for an amino acid.
Recall that AUG is the codon that serves as both a start signal and codes for the amino acid methionine, while UGA, UAA, and UAG are stop codons that do not code for amino acids.