Final answer:
Translation can be initiated alternative locations along an mRNA molecule by ribosomes binding to AUG codons in the 3' UTR upstream of the typical start codon, which can result in the synthesis of functional polypeptides.
Step-by-step explanation:
An alternative means by which translation can be initiated at a different place on an mRNA molecule, aside from the well-known Shine-Dalgarno sequence or Kozak consensus sequence in eukaryotes, involves re-initiation events. One reported mechanism is the ribosome re-initiating translation in the 3’ untranslated region (3’ UTR) of an mRNA using AUG codons upstream of the normal start codon. These AUG codons can encode for a functional polypeptide, providing additional regulation and complexity to protein synthesis.