Transcription and Translation · USMLE Step 1

During translation in bacteria, which of the following factors brings the initiator tRNA to the ribosome P-site and hydrolyzes GTP to allow subunit joining?

  1. IF1
  2. IF2
  3. IF3
  4. EF-G
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Correct answer: IF2

In bacterial translation initiation, initiation factor IF2 (a GTP-binding protein) escorts the initiator tRNA to the P-site; GTP hydrolysis triggers joining of the large ribosomal subunit and start of elongation. This is a key difference in initiation mechanisms of translation.

Difficulty: Medium Question 6 of 22

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