Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Isolation of Translating Ribosomes Containing Peptidyl-tRNAs for Functional and Structural Analyses
Published on: February 25, 2011
Comparison of supernatant-and ribosome-bound rat liver tRNA
1Life Sciences Center, Nova University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Abstract:
Transfer RNAs were separated into a ribosome bound fraction and a supernatant (cytoplasmic) fraction. The nucleoside composition, 2-dimensional PAGE pattern and in vivo labeling were compared. 12 minor nucleosides were identified by HPLC. In general, the minor nucleosides, especially N2-methyl-guanidine and ribothymidine, were higher in the ribosome-bound fraction. The PAGE patterns were similar but there were quantitative and qualitative differences among the smaller spots. In vivo labeling by 32P showed that new tRNA goes preferentially to the ribosome but mixing does occur. The results suggest the existence of two compartments of tRNA.
Related Concept Videos
Nucleic acids
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
Ribosomes
Ribosomal RNA Synthesis
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
Transfer RNA Synthesis
Each of these chemical modifications is carried by a specific enzyme, post-transcription. All of these enzymes have unique base and site-specificity. Methylation, the most common chemical modification, is carried by at least nine different enzymes, with...
Ribosome Profiling
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...
Ribosomes
Ribosome Structure and Assembly
Ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. In eukaryotes, rRNA is transcribed from genes in the nucleolus—a part of the nucleus that specializes in ribosome production. Within...

