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Atomic force microscopic observation of Escherichia coli ribosomes in solution
Toshihiko Matsuura1, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Takuya Matsumoto
1Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
Ribosomes of Escherichia coli were visualized in buffer solution by atomic force microscopy (AFM). A series of time-dependent AFM images showed that ribosomes spontaneously adsorb on mica. Although ribosomes observed in air are forced to flatten on the surface, the height of ribosomal particles obtained under a physiological buffer solution is 21.8+/-0.5 nm, which is consistent with the ideal diameter. We succeeded in observing single ribosomes in a near-native condition.

