Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Isolation of Translating Ribosomes Containing Peptidyl-tRNAs for Functional and Structural Analyses
Published on: February 25, 2011
Shielding of the D loop of ribosome-bound tRNA by elongation factor G
1Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Universität München, F.R.G.
Abstract:
The topography of the complex of elongation factor G with post-translocative ribosomes has been studied in the Escherichia coli system using fluorescence spectroscopy. We find that a fluorophore attached to the D loop of tRNA is shielded from solvent access by the presence of the factor, and this effect is dependent on factor-promoted GTP hydrolysis. The shielding result suggests that (1) the factor could bind to the tRNA during translocation and (2) the tRNA binding site may be close to that of the factor. The alternative explanation, that the factor affects the conformation of the tRNA bound at a distant site, seems less likely.
Related Concept Videos
RNA Structure
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
Improving Translational Accuracy
Termination of Translation
Directing Proteins to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
RNA Structure
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA) involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three...
Bacterial Protein Maturation

