50S ribosomal subunit of bacterial ribosome (50S subunit)

The **50S ribosomal subunit of the bacterial ribosome** is the large component of the 70S prokaryotic ribosome, essential for bacterial protein synthesis[1][2][3][4]. It is composed primarily of 23S and 5S ribosomal RNAs and approximately 34 ribosomal proteins. The 50S subunit provides the catalytic peptidyl transferase activity, enabling peptide bond formation during translation, and forms part of the ribosomal functional sites for tRNA binding and movement[1][3][4]. Many clinically important antibiotics bind to various sites of the 50S subunit, inhibiting translation and thus treating bacterial infections by blocking protein synthesis[1][4]. Resistance to such antibiotics often involves mutations in rRNA or ribosomal proteins, making the 50S subunit a key focus for antibacterial drug development and antibiotic resistance studies[1].

Other names

bacterial 50S ribosomal subunitprokaryotic large ribosomal subunit50S ribosomelarge subunit of bacterial ribosome

Inhibition of protein synthesis by preventing peptide bond formation or translocation Targeting the peptidyl transferase center or exit tunnel to block elongation or termination of polypeptides