The consequence of a mutation in a prokaryotic gene resulting in a change in the first codon of the mRNA from AUG to CUG would be
A) to substitute a different amino acid for the methionine that should be incorporated.
B) elimination of the signal for termination of translation.
C) A frame-shift in the utilization of this transcript for translation.
D) the inability to properly initiate translation.
E) the inability of the Shine-Dalgarno sequence to base pair with the 16S rRNA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A mutation that changes the start codon (from AUG to CUG) will result in the inability to initiate translation, as AUG is the universal start codon recognized by most organisms. This mutation will lead to the formation of a non-functional protein or no protein at all.

The Consequence of a Mutation in a Prokaryotic Gene Resulting