Cap site

The initiation site of transcription in a eukaryotic gene. The initiation of translation of most eukaryotic mRNAs involves recognition of the cap followed by either the first downstream AUG or by a 5' proximal AUG with a concensus sequence surrounding it (like the bacterial Shine-Dalgarno or the viral Kozak sequence). Such a concensus sequence has not been recognized in eukaryotes yet.