Three-dimensional architecture of Thermomyces lanuginosus small subunit ribosomal RNA

Abstract

The structure of the small ribosomal subunit of the mildly thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus was reconstructed using spectroscopic electron microscopy and quaternion-assisted angular reconstitution to a resolution of roughly 3.3 nm. The distribution of phosphorus within this complex was also reconstructed and represents the arrangement of the phosphate backbone of the constituent ribosomal RNA. The results indicate regions where the extra rRNA of eukaryotes (compared with prokaryotes) is likely to be, specifically in the eukaryotic beak and basal lobes. The overall reconstruction in conjunction with the phosphorus (rRNA) distribution is the first to be achieved synchronously for this eukaryotic nucleoprotein complex.