Spin labelling ribosomes: an overview

Abstract

This paper reviews the spin label approach to the problem of structure and function of the bacterial ribosomes from Escherichiacoli. The work of different research groups towards selective spin labelling of 70S ribosomes is presented and results are compared. Information obtained by binding these derivatized ribosomes with magnesium ions, tRNA, and antibiotics are analyzed. The interaction of selectively spin-labeled tRNAphe and spin-labeled kanamycin and puromycin with the ribosomes is also discussed.