The two sub-units of ribosome remain united at a critical ion level of:
- magnesium
- manganese
- calcium
- copper
Answer
(1) magnesium
Solution
⇒ The two subunits of a ribosome (e.g. 50S + 30S → 70S) are held together by Mg2+ ions.
⇒ At a critical concentration of about 0.001 M Mg2+ the subunits remain united; when the Mg2+ level falls below it the ribosome dissociates into its subunits, and at a much higher level two ribosomes associate into a dimer.
∴ The ribosomal subunits remain united at a critical level of magnesium ions.
Answer: (1)