PROTEIN-RIBONUCLEIC ACID INTERACTIONS IN RIBOSOMES

1. 1. The unfolding of ribosomes from Escherichia coli renders ribosomal RNA (rRNA) susceptible to both specific and nonspecific nuclease action. 2. 2. The nuclease digestion produces a precipitate which contains most of the total ribosomal protein and 15% of the total RNA. 3. 3. RNA fragments isolated from the precipitate are heterodisperse, as judged by gel electrophoresis, and have a 28 (±7) nucleotide-residue chain length. 4. 4. The RNA fragments, obtained with nonspecific nucleases have a higher G and C content than intact rRNA. 5. 5. The concept, that the RNA fragments derive from nonhelical RNA regions, which in situ preferentially bind ribosomal proteins, is discussed. © 1969.