Which one of the following codons acts as an initiator codon?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → AUG
The initiator (start) codon is the codon at which a ribosome begins to translate an mRNA. It is AUG. AUG has two jobs: it codes for the amino acid methionine, and it also marks the start of translation.
(4) AUG — Correct. AUG is the codon at which translation starts. It also codes for the amino acid methionine, so it has a dual function.
NCERT Extract:
Genetic Code – “… (v) AUG has dual functions. It codes for Methionine (met) , and it also act as initiator codon.”