Joint use of light, X-ray and neutron scattering for investigation of RNA and protein mutual distribution within the 50S subparticle of E. coli ribosomes

Abstract

The values of the RNA and protein radius of gyration obtained in these studies corroborate the conclusion reported earlier [1] that on average the RNA is nearer to the center of the particle than is the protein. (It should be noted for comparison that the minimal Rg value of the RNA corresponding to its dense packing as a sphere in the center of the 52S subparticle is 49 A.) Moreover, such a great difference in the radii of gyration of RNA and protein implies a definite scheme of mutual RNA and protein arrangement in the 50S subparticle -- namely the distribution of the greater mass of proteins on the RNA surface.