2′-OH of mRNA are critical for the binding of its codons at the 40S ribosomal P site but not at the mRNA entry site

► Both mRNAs and single stranded DNAs can bind at the 40S ribosomal entry site. ► DNAs cannot participate in codon-anticodon interactions at the 40S ribosomal P site. ► In eukaryotes, 2′-OH of mRNA interact with the ribosome at the P site.