Abstract
The structure and function of ribosomes, small cellular organelles involved in protein synthesis, are determined by both their macromolecular components - proteins and RNAs. The protein/RNA ratio depends on the evolutionary level of the organism. In eukaryotic ribosomes the protein/RNA ratio is ~ 1:1 (w/w). While the number and composition of ribosomal proteins varies from species to species, the number and composition of RNAs is highly conserved.We have chosen the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA isolated from baby hamster kidney cells to study the structural role of eukaryotic RNAs on the ribosome. Similarity in the extent of secondary structure suggests that the eukaryotic RNAs have similar “domain” structure as their prokaryotic counterparts. This structure consists of segments of double stranded stems, single strands and loops. However, folding of these segments into a conformation contributing to the 3-D structure of the ribosome remains to be established.
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