Complete dissociation of 5S rRNA was obtained by mild treatment of 50S ribosomal subunits with EDTA. The 5S rRNA-free 50S subunits (50S E) could bind 30S subunits. The complex became attached to phenylalanyl-tRNA in the presence of poly U. The tRNA binding, however, was only 50% of that observed with normal ribosomes, and was resistant to tetracycline inhibition. Phenylalanyl-tRNA bound to 5S-rRNA-free ribosome-poly U complex was sensitive to pancreatic RNase. These results suggest that 5S rRNA may have a role in the specific binding of tRNA to ribosomes. © 1969.