Nucleic Acids Research, 1979, Vol. 7, No. 4 1019-1034
© 1979
Articles |
Interaction between RNA polymerase and a ribosomal RNA promoter of E.coli
Biochemisch Laboratorium, The University Nijenborgh 16,9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands
Received July 16, 1979. The interaction between RNA polymerase and the E. coli ribosomal (r) RNA promoter(s) of the rrnE operon has been studied by the filter-binding method. The extent of complex formation between RNA polymerase and rrnE promoter(s) is saltdependent; ppGpp specifically inhibits interaction of RNA polymerase with the rrnE promoter(s). A tentative model is proposed for the molecular events in the early steps of rRNA initiation: a transition of the primarily formed, labile RNA polymerase-rRNA promoter complex to a more stable form is the determining step. This step is salt-sensitive; ppGpp acts on this "isomerization".