title: A model of the translational apparatus based on a three-dimensional reconstruction of the Escherichia coli ribosome.
abstract: The morphology of the Escherichia coli ribosome, i.e., its shape at moderate to low (20-40 A (1 A = 0.1 nm)) resolution, provides important constraints in modeling both the folding of ribosomal RNA and the translational process. A new reconstruction, obtained by low-dose cryoelectron microscopy and image processing of single ribosomes, contains clues to the way in which the ribosome interacts with the key functional ligands: the mRNA and the A- and P-site tRNAs. It also suggests possible pathways of the nascent polypeptide chain. From an interpretation of these clues in the light of existing knowledge, a plausible model for the locations and interactions of key components of protein synthesis is suggested.
authors.affiliation: Wadsworth Center, New York State, Department of Health, NY 12201-0509, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Verschoor
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Lata
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Radermacher
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Penczek
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grassucci
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Agrawal
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srivastava
mesh_terms: D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008957:Models, Genetic; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012329:RNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure*
chemical_list: D012329:RNA, Bacterial