Eukaryotic translation repressors primarily bind to which sequence near the initiator codon?

Eukaryotic translation repressors play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by preventing the initiation of translation. These repressors typically bind to the region around the initiator codon, which is where the ribosome assembles and begins translating RNA into a protein. The initiator codon for protein translation is represented by the sequence AUG, which not only codes for the amino acid methionine but also serves as the start site for translation.

When translation repressors bind to this AUG sequence, they can block the assembly of the ribosome or prevent the subsequent binding of other necessary translation factors, effectively halting the translation process. This mechanism is vital for controlling when and how much of a protein is produced within the cell.

The other options, UAA and UAG, are termination codons that signal the end of translation rather than the initiation. GCC does not play a direct role in the initiation or regulation of translation in this context. Therefore, the correct choice focuses on the specific sequence that initiates translation, which is why AUG is the answer.