Identification by photoaffinity labelling of 16S RNA as a component of IF2-binding site of E. coli MRE 600 ribosome.

A photoactivated radioactive derivative of IF2 was obtained by treatment with p-azidobenzaldehyde in the presence of NaBH4, followed by reductive methylation with [14C] formaldehyde. The modified IF2 preserved the functional activity of the native factor in specific binding to 30S ribosomal subparticles to which it specifically cross-linked during mild irradiation. The main affinity-labelled component of the 30S subparticle was found to be 16S RNA.