Location of proteins S5, S13 and S14 on the surface of the 3oS ribosomal subunit from Escherichia coli as determined by immune electron microscopy.

Abstract

The structure of negatively stained 30 S ribosome-IgG-30 S ribosome complexes (“dimers”) was examined by electron microscopy to locate proteins S5, S13 and S14 on the surface of the 30S ribosomal subunit from Escherichia coli. The attachment points of non-crossreacting antibodies, specific to each of the three ribosomal proteins, were visualized and correlated to distinctive structural features of the 30S subunit. The 30S particle showed a bipartite structure of two globular sections unequal in size and connected by a narrow bridge (“neck”). Protein S5 was located at several sites on the surface of this neck region. Proteins S13 and S14 were localized in the smaller globular section and were found to be in close proximity to one another. A model of the 30 S subunit with the location of the three proteins is presented.