Q. 27.  To initiate translation, the mRNA first binds to

(a) the smaller ribosomal subunit

(b) the larger ribosomal sub-unit

(c) the whole ribosome 

(d) No such specificity exists


(a) The ribosome consists of structural RNAs and about 80 different proteins. In its inactive state, it exits as two subunits, a large subunit and a small subunit. When the smaller subunit encounters the mRNA, the process of translation of the mRNA to protein begins.