30S Subunit
This
subunit contains the mRNA binding site where tRNAs bind through
H bonds to the mRNA codons. The first Jmol image shows
the different chains as cartoons and RNA in
gold. The remaining images
only show the RNA.
ribosomal RNA:
gold
transfer RNAs (tRNAs):
red and green
messenger RNA (mRNA),
blue
same as above but with the amino acid Phe
(purple) linked to the terminal A76 of the tRNAs
structure
isolated mRNA and tRNAs
(Note: sometimes this and the remaining links
don't work in IE or Firefox, but do work in Google Chrome)
mRNA codon (5'UUC3': tRNA anticodon (5'GAA3')interactions
50S Subunit
This
subunit contains the peptidyl transferase center where the amide
link occurs between the growing peptide (esterified to the tRNA)
in the P site and the amino acid acyl-tRNA in the A site
ribosomal RNA:
gold; protein cartoon - each chain a
different color
2'OH
(spacefill) of U2584, binds a water molecule (not
shown) that stabilizes the oxyanion of the transition state
The 2'OH is
not near any of the blue protein chains, supporting the notion that
catalysis of peptide bond formation does not involve protein.