Ribosome Small Subunit with 3 tRNAs

3D Structure of Small Ribosome Subunit with 3 tRNAs

CPK Color Scheme C O N P

On this page, you can see the small subunit of the ribosome frozen in action. Two tRNAs have their amino acids still attached and the third tRNA is just about to leave the ribosome. The small subunit is composed of rRNA and proteins. You can also see the 3 tRNAs on top of the structure. The mRNA is not visible yet, but will be later in this tutorial.You can click and drag to see the shape before clicking on the buttons below.

First, look at the rRNA (yellow) that comprises 65% of the ribosomal small subunit. The three tRNAs are red white and blue, and are sitting near the top and look like 3 small elephants with their trunks raised high. The proteins have been hidden for clarity. The mRNA can be seen as a series of green spheres.

Remove the rRNA and zoom in on the mRNA. You should be able to see which two tRNAs are still base paired with the mRNA and which tRNA (blue) is leaving the ribosome to the right.

Rotate the structure and look at the codon base paired with the red tRNA, which was the most recent tRNA to arrive.

Move the structure a bit more to see the base pairing of the green mRNA with the white tRNA.

Zoom out a bit and rebuilt the small subunit of the ribosome. Add the rRNA (yellow) and the proteins (purple).

Shave off the edge of the ribosome facing you and see the mRNA (changes colors) surrounded by ribosome and base pairing with the two tRNAs that still have their amino acids attached.

Zoom out by using the shift key and mousing up.

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3D Structure of Ribosome Small Subunit with 3 tRNAs

3D Structure of Small Ribosome Subunit with 3 tRNAs