Structural changes in ribosomes during development

Basic ribosomal proteins, extracted from immature erythrocytes of both pre-metamorphic and adult bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), were characterized on urea-polyacrylamide gels. Ribosomes from larval and adult organisms display quantitative and qualitative differences in the banding patterns of their basic ribosomal proteins. Such alterations in ribosomal structure may be important in the control of gene expression during development.