initiation complex

The initiation complex is the molecular assembly that starts the process of protein synthesis in a cell. It involves the small ribosomal subunit, messenger RNA (mRNA), and the first transfer RNA (tRNA) carrying an amino acid called methionine. These components come together to form a stable complex, positioning the necessary elements for the ribosome to begin reading the mRNA sequence. This setup ensures that proteins are constructed accurately, based on genetic instructions. Once the initiation complex is assembled, the larger ribosomal subunit joins, and the cell begins translating genetic information into a functional protein.