[Stimulation of peptidyltransferase activity of 50S subunits by alcohols].

We have demonstrated that in certain conditions 50S subunits can transfer peptide moiety from peptidyl-tRNA to puromycin in the absence of alcohol. Monovalent cations NH4+ and K+ support this reaction, while Na+ and Li+ are ineffective. Optimal concentration for NH4+ is 1.

[Protein L16 of the Escherichia coli ribosome: possible role in protein biosynthesis].

We show that Escherichia coli 50S ribosomal subunits depleted of protein L16 can nevertheless catalyze the transfer of the peptide moiety from fMet-tRNA to puromycin, being, however, unable to use a fragment CACCA-Phe as an acceptor substrate. On the other hand, we found that protein L16 as well as its large fragment (amino acids 10-136) both interact with tRNA in solution (Kd approximately 10(-7) M). Moreover, L16 interacts with CACCA-Phe in solution as well as protects 3' end of tRNA from the enzymatic degradation.