Which of the following processes is the first event to take place in translation in eukaryotes?

• A. Release of the polypeptide chain
• B. Translocation of the ribosome along the mRNA
• C. Formation of the peptide bond
• D. Binding of the small ribosomal subunit to the mRNA

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template. In eukaryotes, this process involves several key steps.
2. The first event in translation is the binding of the small ribosomal subunit to the mRNA. This step is crucial for initiating the translation process.
3. The small ribosomal subunit recognizes and binds to the 5' cap of the mRNA, which helps position the ribosome correctly for translation to begin.
4. Once the small ribosomal subunit is bound to the mRNA, it scans along the mRNA to find the start codon (AUG), which signals the beginning of the protein-coding sequence.
5. After locating the start codon, the large ribosomal subunit joins the small subunit, forming a complete ribosome ready to begin the elongation phase of translation.