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The mechanics of translocation: a molecular "spring-and-ratchet" system.


ABSTRACT: The translation of genetic information into proteins is a fundamental process of life. Stepwise addition of amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain requires the coordinated movement of mRNA and tRNAs through the ribosome, a process known as translocation. Here, we review current understanding of the kinetics and mechanics of translocation, with particular emphasis on the structure of a functional mammalian ribosome stalled during translocation by an mRNA pseudoknot. In the context of a pseudoknot-stalled complex, the translocase EF-2 is seen to compress a hybrid-state tRNA into a strained conformation. We propose that this strain energy helps overcome the kinetic barrier to translocation and drives tRNA into the P-site, with EF-2 biasing this relaxation in one direction. The tRNA can thus be considered a molecular spring and EF-2 a Brownian ratchet in a "spring-and-ratchet" system within the translocation process.

SUBMITTER: Moran SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7119126 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The mechanics of translocation: a molecular "spring-and-ratchet" system.

Moran Stephen J SJ   Flanagan John F JF   Namy Olivier O   Stuart David I DI   Brierley Ian I   Gilbert Robert J C RJ  

Structure (London, England : 1993) 20080501 5


The translation of genetic information into proteins is a fundamental process of life. Stepwise addition of amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain requires the coordinated movement of mRNA and tRNAs through the ribosome, a process known as translocation. Here, we review current understanding of the kinetics and mechanics of translocation, with particular emphasis on the structure of a functional mammalian ribosome stalled during translocation by an mRNA pseudoknot. In the context of a pseu  ...[more]

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