Topography of RNA in the ribosome: location of the 5 S RNA residues A39 and U40 on the central protuberance of the 50 S subunit.

The internal site of 5 S RNA comprising residues A39 and U40 has been localized on the E. coli 50 S ribosomal subunit by immune electron microscopy. It has been found to be located on the interface side of the central protuberance at the position distinctly apart but very close to the position of the 5 S RNA 3'-end providing evidence for a quite compact folded conformation of the 5 S RNA in situ.