Large ribosomal subunit 50S (50S)

The **large ribosomal subunit 50S** is the bigger component of the 70S ribosome in prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea), composed primarily of 23S and 5S ribosomal RNAs and more than 30 associated proteins[1][4]. It is responsible for catalyzing peptide bond formation during protein synthesis and facilitates interactions with tRNAs as well as numerous factors that regulate translation[1][4][2]. The 50S subunit is a crucial target for several classes of antibiotics, which inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to specific sites on the subunit and interfering with its catalytic or structural functions[1][6]. Mutations or modifications in the 50S subunit, especially in the 23S rRNA, are key mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The subunit is essential for cell viability and has no direct equivalent in eukaryotes, where the analogous subunit is the 60S.

Other names

50S large ribosomal subunitprokaryotic 50S ribosomal subunit50S subunit

Inhibition of protein synthesis by binding to 50S and blocking peptide bond formation or translocation Inhibition of peptidyl transferase activity Prevention of ribosomal subunit association