A poison added to an in vitro translation mixture containing mRNA molecules with
ID: 18584 • Letter: A
Question
A poison added to an in vitro translation mixture containing mRNA molecules with the sequence 5'-AUGAAAAAAAAAAAAUAA-3' has the following effect:
The only product made is a Met-Lys dipeptide that remains attached to the ribosome. What is the most likely way in which the poison acts to inhibit protein synthesis? (Use a codon table for reference)
a. It inhibits peptidyl transferase activity
b. It inhibits shifting of the ribosome down the mRNA template
c. It inhibits release factor
d. It mimics release factor
Explanation / Answer
Ans: (b) It inhibits shifting of the ribosome down the mRNA template.