Binding of tRNA in different functional states to Escherichia coli ribosomes as measured by velocity sedimentation.

Abstract

The binding of initiator and elongator tRNAs to 70-S ribosomes and the 30-S subunits was followed by velocity sedimentation in the analytical ultracentrifuge. fMet-tRNAfMet binds to A-U-G-programmed 30-S subunits, but not to free or misprogrammed particles. Both the formylmethione residue and the initiation factors increase the stability of the 30-S x A-U-G x fMet-tRNAfMet complex. fMet-tRNAfMet is bound only to the P site of the 70-S ribosome even in the absence of A-U-G. Two copies of tRNAPhe or Phe-tRNAPhe are bound to the ribosome with similar affinity. In contrast to a recent report [Rheinberger et al. (1981) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 78, 5310-5314], it is shown that three copies of tRNA cannot be bound simultaneously to the ribosome with binding constants higher than 2 x 10(4) M-1. Phe-tRNAPhe when present as the ternary complex Phe-tRNAPhe. EF-Tu x guanosine 5'-[beta,gamma-methylene]triphosphate binds exclusively to the A site. The peptidyl-tRNA analogue, acetylphenylalanine-tRNA, can occupy both ribosomal centers, albeit with a more than tenfold higher affinity for the P site. The thermodynamic data obtained under equilibrium conditions confirm the present view of two tRNA binding sites on the ribosome. The association constants determined are discussed in relation to the mechanism of ribosomal protein synthesis.