Definition
The codon that indicates where to begin transcription of a gene.
Use in clinical context
The process of gene transcription is tightly controlled, and it is important that transcription starts at the correct part of the gene.
A recognisable initiation codon allows RNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for transcription, to begin transcription in the correct place.
Initiation codons also help researchers to identify the location of genes, contributing to our understanding of the genome.
Related terms
Codon | Genome | Enzyme | Polymerase | Transcription
