On the polycistronic mRNA of bacteriophage MS2, the ability to translate multiple copies of the coat protein but only a single copy of the A protein is accomplished by _________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ribosome binding site occlusion allows for multiple copies of the coat protein to be translated by blocking access to the ribosome binding site after the first copy of the A protein is translated. This allows for efficient production of coat protein while conserving resources by limiting the translation of the A protein to a single copy. Options A, B, and C are not relevant to the mechanism used by bacteriophage MS2.

On the Polycistronic MRNA of Bacteriophage MS2, the Ability to Translate