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Termination of Translation

Termination of Translation

The large ribosomal subunit has several important structures essential to translation. These include the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) - which is the site where the peptide bond is formed - and a large, internal, water-filled tube through which the nascent polypeptide moves. This latter structure is called the Peptide Exit Tunnel, and it begins at the PTC and spans the body of the large ribosomal subunit. During translation, as the nascent polypeptide chain is synthesized, it passes through...

Cotranslational Protein Translocation

Cotranslational Protein Translocation

Translocation of proteins across membranes is an ancient process that occurs even in bacteria and archaebacteria. In fact, the components of the translocation machinery are still conserved between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Sec61 channel partners for cotranslational translocation
During cotranslational translocation, the Sec61 channel partners with the signal recognition particle (SRP), the signal recognition particle receptor (SR), and the ribosomes to transport the nascent polypeptide chain...

Ribosomes

Ribosomes

Ribosomes translate genetic information encoded by messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have ribosomes. Cells that synthesize large quantities of protein—such as secretory cells in the human pancreas—can contain millions of ribosomes.Ribosome Structure and AssemblyRibosomes 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 the...

Ribosomes

Ribosomes

Ribosomes translate genetic information encoded by messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have ribosomes. Cells that synthesize large quantities of protein—such as secretory cells in the human pancreas—can contain millions of 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...

Ribosomes

Ribosomes

Ribosomes translate genetic information encoded by messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have ribosomes. Cells that synthesize large quantities of protein—such as secretory cells in the human pancreas—can contain millions of ribosomes.Ribosome Structure and AssemblyRibosomes 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 the...

Ribosomes

Ribosomes

Ribosomes translate genetic information encoded by messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have ribosomes. Cells that synthesize large quantities of protein—such as secretory cells in the human pancreas—can contain millions of 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Isolation of Translating Ribosomes Containing Peptidyl-tRNAs for Functional and Structural Analyses

Isolation of Translating Ribosomes Containing Peptidyl-tRNAs for Functional and Structural Analyses

Published on: February 25, 2011

Tertiary interactions within the ribosomal exit tunnel.

Andrey Kosolapov¹, Carol Deutsch

¹Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6085, USA.

Nature Structural & Molecular Biology

|March 10, 2009

Summary

Nascent proteins can form minimal tertiary structures within the ribosomal tunnel, near the exit. This early folding during translation offers insights into protein malfunction and potassium channel biogenesis.

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Isolation of Translating Ribosomes Containing Peptidyl-tRNAs for Functional and Structural Analyses

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biophysics
Structural Biology

Background:

Protein folding is crucial for function, but the ribosomal tunnel's constraints pose challenges.
Tertiary interactions, while difficult for whole domains, might allow smaller structural elements to form.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the possibility of early tertiary structure formation within the ribosomal tunnel.
To determine the folding probability of specific peptide structures at various locations relative to the ribosome.

Main Methods:

Utilized beta-hairpin and alpha-helical hairpin motifs from a voltage-gated potassium channel.
Assessed folding probabilities at defined positions inside and outside the ribosomal tunnel.

Main Results:

Minimalist tertiary structures can form near the ribosomal exit port.
The tunnel exit provides an 'entropic window' for exploring local peptide conformations.
Tertiary subdomains fold sequentially during translation, but not entirely independently.

Conclusions:

Early folding events within the ribosome can occur, influencing protein biogenesis.
This study provides a method to diagnose folding defects related to protein malfunction.
Offers insights into the ribosome's role in early potassium channel formation.