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Ribosome Synthesis in Thermally Shocked Cells of Staphylococcus aureus¹

^a Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502

ABSTRACT

Thermally shocked cells of Staphylococcus aureus rapidly synthesized ribonucleic acid (RNA) during the early stages of recovery. During this period, protein synthesis was not observed and occurred only after RNA had reached a maximum level. Even in the absence of coordinated protein synthesis, a large portion of the RNA appeared in newly synthesized ribosomes. Although the 30S subunit was specifically destroyed by the heating process, both ribosomal particles were reassembled during recovery. The addition of chloramphenicol did not inhibit the formation of the ribosomal subunits, nor was the presence of immature chloramphenicol particles detected. Extended recovery with highly prelabeled cells showed that the original ribosomal proteins present before heating are conserved and recycled. Furthermore, the data indicate that the 50S subunit is turned over and used as a source of protein for new ribosome assembly. Kinetic studies of the assembly process by pulse labeling have not revealed the presence of the normally reported precursor particles. Rather, the data suggest that assembly may occur, in this system, in a manner similar to that reported for in vitro assembly of Escherichia coli subunits.

² Present address: John Collins Warren Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass. 02114.

¹ Contribution no. 1127, Division of Biology, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan.