Mitochondrial codons are an exception for the propey of ‘universality’ of codons. For eg: Initiation codon in mammals is AUG, which codes for methionine. But in mitochondria, methionine is coded by some other codon. Which among the following is that initiation codon:

**Core Concept**
The universality of codons refers to the fact that the same codon in DNA codes for the same amino acid in all organisms. However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly in mitochondrial DNA, where some codons have different meanings than their universal counterparts.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Mitochondrial DNA has its own set of codon usage and translation rules, which deviate from the universal genetic code. In particular, the initiation codon for protein synthesis in mitochondria is different from the universal initiation codon AUG, which codes for methionine in the cytoplasm. Instead, the initiation codon in mitochondrial DNA codes for a different amino acid that can serve as the starting point for protein synthesis.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not specified, so we cannot evaluate its correctness.
* **Option B:** This option is not specified, so we cannot evaluate its correctness.
* **Option C:** This option is not specified, so we cannot evaluate its correctness.
* **Option D:** This option is not specified, so we cannot evaluate its correctness.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The mitochondrial genetic code is a remnant of the evolutionary history of mitochondria, which are thought to have originated from alpha-proteobacteria that were engulfed by early eukaryotic cells. As a result, the mitochondrial genetic code has retained some characteristics of the bacterial genetic code.

**Correct Answer: C. ATA**

✓ Correct Answer: C. AUA