Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Genetik, Abt. Wittmann Berlin-Dahlem, Germany
Abstract:
Isolation of ribosomal precursors from Escherichia coli K12 is described. The RNA and protein content of the precursor particles was determined.One physiologically stable precursor was found for the 30 S subunit. The assembly scheme is as follows: p16 S RNA + 9 proteins → p30 S (“21 S” precursor) p30 S + 12 proteins → 30 S subunit where p is precursor.Each of the two precursors for the 50 S subunit, P150 S and p250 S (“32 S” and “43 S” precursors, respectively), contains p5 S + p23 S RNA's in a 1:1 molar ratio. The assembly scheme is as follows: p23 S RNA + p5 S RNA + 16 or 17 proteins → p150 S