lOSa RNA Is Associated with 70S Ribosome Particles in Escherichia coli

Abstract

The intracellular distribution of lOSa RNA in Escherichia coli was investigated in cell extracts.Northern hybridization revealed that a large fraction of lOSa RNA cosediments with 70S ribosomes. When 70S ribosomes were dissociated into 50S and 30S subunits in the presence of low levels of Mg²⁺ ions, almost all of the lOSa RNA disappeared from both subunits. The extent of the association of the lOSa RNA with ribosomes was much enhanced during the growth phase of the cells. These results suggest the possibility that lOSa RNA might function on the ribosomes in E. coli cells.