Which statement signals the start of translation?

• A. The stop codon signals the start of translation.
• B. A promoter signals the start of translation.
• C. The codon AUG signals the start of translation.
• D. The ribosome binds to DNA to start translation.

Answer: (C)

The start of translation is signaled by the start codon AUG on the mRNA, which is recognized by an initiator tRNA carrying methionine. This pairing establishes the reading frame and marks the point where protein synthesis begins. The stop codon signals termination, not initiation. Promoters regulate transcription initiation by RNA polymerase, not translation. The ribosome does not bind DNA to start translation; it binds the mRNA and, at AUG, recruits the initiator tRNA to begin making the polypeptide.