ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses experiments that confirm and extend the model for autogenous translational regulation of r–protein synthesis. Ribosomal protein genes are organized into at least 16 distinct transcriptional units scattered about the E. coli chromosome. The availability of transducing phages carrying r–protein genes has greatly facilitated the study of r–protein gene expression. The regulatory properties of many r–proteins have been determined in vivo, by using recombinant plasmids in which r–protein genes were fused to the regulatory elements of the lactose or arabinose operon. The expression of ribosomal proteins within translational regulatory units is that translation of each cistron can be initiated by free ribosomes. The feedback regulatory mechanism which evolved ensures the balanced and coordinated synthesis of many r–proteins. Ribosomes are the supramolecular structures that provide the site for, and participate in, the catalysis of protein synthesis.
