[Specific chemical modification of ribosomes in the vicinity of their mRNA-binding center]

4-N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino-benzaldehyde acetal derivatives (RCL-derivatives) of octauridylic and nanauridylic acids were used to localize the structures organizing mRNA-binding site of ribosomes. These derivatives, like free oligonucleotides, stimulate binding of 14C-phenylalanyl-tRNA to ribosomes. They effectively alkylate ribosomes within the specific complex. The extent of 30S subunit alkylations is much greater than that of 50S subunit, alkylation being completely inhibited by preincubation with polyridylic acid, suggesting that the chemical alteration occurs near mRNA-binding site. Both rRNA and proteins undergo modification in 30S subunit (75% and 25% of the total 30S subunit modification, respectively).