Atomic force microscopic observation of Escherichia coli ribosomes in solution.
Ribosomes of Escherichia coli were visualized in buffer solution by atomic force microscopy (AFM). A series of time-dependent AFM images showed that ribosomes spontaneously adsorb on mica. Although ribosomes observed in air are forced to flatten on the surface, the height of ribosomal particles obtained under a physiological buffer solution is 21.8+/-0.5 nm, which is consistent with the ideal diameter. We succeeded in observing single ribosomes in a near-native condition.
Matsuura
Toshihiko
T
Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
Tanaka
Hiroyuki
H
Matsumoto
Takuya
T
Kawai
Tomoji
T
D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D010316:Particle Size; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry
D012996:Solutions