The Dictyostelium ribosome: biochemistry, molecular biology, and developmental regulation

Abstract

This is the first comprehensive review of ribosomes in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum. The physicochemical, biochemical, cellular, molecular, and developmental properties are reviewed. Several features demonstrate that a unique class of ribosomes exists in this organism, and a study of these ribosomes will be important to decipher special features of translational regulation, and evolution of the organelle in the eukaryotic kingdom.Key words: cellular slime molds, development, ribosome heterogeneity, protein synthesis, evolution.