Synthesis of a radioactive labeled undecagoldcluster for application in X-ray structure analysis of ribosomes.

In order to quantitate and to determine the extent of binding of a heavy atom derivative to ribosomal particles and other components of protein biosynthesis, we prepared a 14C-radioactive labeled monofunctional undecagoldcluster. This cluster can be bound either to exposed sulfhydryl groups at the surface of the ribosomes and its subunits, or to high nucleophilic amino groups of nucleic acids as well as to proteins.