Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Identification of RNA Fragments Resulting from Enzymatic Degradation using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 11, 2022
23S rRNA modifications stimulate catalytic activity and prevent the formation of alternative structures
Daniel S D Larsson1, Aivar Liiv2, Rya Ero2
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, BMC, P.O. Box 596, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden.
None:
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) modifications cluster around the peptidyl transferase centre (PTC), the catalytic centre of the ribosome, yet their collective functional roles remain unclear. Here we analyse Escherichia coli ribosomes lacking 11 or 12 modifications near the PTC. Using kinetic assays, we show these hypo-modified ribosomes catalyse peptide bond formation at rates twofold to threefold lower than wild-type and exhibit reduced thermal stability. Cryo-electron microscopy of hypo-modified ribosomes reveals multiple alternative conformations of the PTC and exit tunnel regions, disrupting native stacking and hydrogen bonding critical for positioning of transfer RNA substrates. These findings indicate that rRNA modifications stabilize the native PTC structure, preventing formation of alternative, nonfunctional conformations and thereby enhancing catalytic efficiency. Our study provides insight into how rRNA modifications fine-tune ribosome function by maintaining structural integrity essential for efficient translation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
RNA Stability
RNA Stability
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...
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...
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...
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,...

