Postribosomal complexes containing eukaryotic initiation factor eIF-2.

Eukaryotic initiation factors are found in the post-ribosomal subunits. We have analyzed the factor activities from the supernatant by means of zonal centrifugation followed by Sepharose-heparin affinity chromatography. They exist both as free factors, sedimenting in a broad range from 4 to 7S, and complexed with other protein(s) with a sedimentation value of 16-20S. This complexed fraction contains besides eIF-2 another activity which exhibits a profound stimulation on amino acid incorporation in crude lysates and appears to counteract the heme-regulated inhibitor.