Abstract
Previous studies suggest that the mechanism of action of the ribosome in translation involves crucial transfer RNA (tRNA)-ribosomal RNA (rRNA) interactions. Here, a selection scheme was developed to identify bases in 16S rRNA that are essential for tRNA binding to the P site of the small (30S) ribosomal subunit. Modification of the N-1 and N-2 positions of 2-methylguanine 966 and of the N-7 position of guanine 1401 interfered with messenger RNA (mRNA)-dependent binding of tRNA to the P site. Modification of the same positions as well as of the N-1 and N-2 positions of guanine 926 interfered with mRNA-independent binding of tRNA at high magnesium ion concentration. These results suggest that these three bases are involved in intermolecular contacts between ribosomes and tRNA.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Aldehydes / pharmacology
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Base Composition
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Binding Sites
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Butanones
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CME-Carbodiimide / analogs & derivatives
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CME-Carbodiimide / pharmacology
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Codon
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Guanine / chemistry
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Nucleic Acid Conformation
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RNA, Bacterial / chemistry
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RNA, Bacterial / metabolism
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / chemistry*
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RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / metabolism
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RNA, Transfer, Leu / metabolism*
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RNA, Transfer, Phe / metabolism*
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Ribosomes / metabolism*
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Sulfides / pharmacology
Substances
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Aldehydes
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Butanones
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Codon
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RNA, Bacterial
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
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RNA, Transfer, Leu
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RNA, Transfer, Phe
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Sulfides
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1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl)carbodiimide
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CME-Carbodiimide
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Guanine
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kethoxal
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dimethyl sulfide