Figure 3
Experimental designs for rupture force measurements on the ribosome.
(a) The molecular attachments within the mRNA-ribosome-bead complex. Ribosomal particles were assembled on a short mRNA
tethered to the surface via biotin-streptavidin linkage. A digoxigenin-modified oligonucleotide was designed to hybridize to an rRNA loop extension on the small ribosomal subunit. A bead coated with anti-digoxigenin antibody was conjugated to the oligonucleotide and used for optical trapping of the ribosomal complex. (b) The tethered ribosome-bead complex fluctuates around the point of surface attachment. (c) Optical tweezers are used to trap the bead. (d) As the stage with the attached ribosome-bead complex is moved in one direction, the force exerted on the complex increases and the bead becomes displaced. (e) Eventually the external force becomes sufficient to rupture the complex, and the bead returns to the trap center position. |
