Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Initiation factors

The set of catalytic proteins required, in addition to mrna and ribosomes, for protein synthesis to begin. In bacteria three distinct proteins have been identified: if 1 (8 kD), IF 2 (75 kD) and IF 3 (30 kD). at least 6-8 proteins have been identified in eukaryotes. IFs 1 and 2 enhance the binding of initiator trna to the initiation complex.