Correlation between biological activity of 30 S subunits of Escherichia coli ribosomes and their conformation changes revealed by optical mixing spectroscopy

Biophys Chem. 1983 Mar;17(2):165-9. doi: 10.1016/0301-4622(83)80010-6.

Abstract

Spectral analysis of light scattered from solutions of 30 S subunits was performed by the method of regularization of the inverse spectral problem. The subunits observed under ionic conditions which preserved their biological activity (200 mM NH4Cl at 1 mM MgCl2) revealed a monodisperse pattern of scattering with diffusion constant D = (1.83 +/- 0.10) X 10(-7) cm2/s. The polydispersity and compaction of 30 S subunits were observed under inactivation ionic conditions (30 mM NH4Cl at 1 mM MgCl2). The number of compacted particles correlates with the irreversible loss of biological activity, the ability of 30 S subunits to bind specific tRNA.

MeSH terms

  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / ultrastructure*
  • Light
  • Mathematics
  • Models, Biological
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl / metabolism
  • Ribosomes / metabolism
  • Ribosomes / ultrastructure*
  • Scattering, Radiation

Substances

  • RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl