The inactivation of rat liver ribosomes (polysomes) resulting from the replacement of bound magnesium by spermidine has been studied using a dialysis method. Inactivation of the ribosomes (polysomes) occurred when more than 40% of the Mg2+ originally bound to ribosomes in the presence of 2 mM Mg2+ was replaced by spermidine. The polypeptide-synthesizing activity of polysomes was retained partially when Mg2+ was replaced by Mn2+ by dialysis. E. coli 30S ribosomal subunits were more resistant to inactivation due to the replacement of Mg2+ by spermidine than the 50S subunits.
Effects on ribosomes of the substitution of spermidine or divalent cations for magnesium ions. Publishing Authors By Initials