Binding of [14C]erythromycin to Escherichia coli ribosomes.

Erythromycin binding to Escherichia coli ribosomes required K(+) and Mg(2+). Under optimal conditions, the dissociation constant for erythromycin binding to E. coli ribosomes was found to be 1.0 x 10(-8) M and 1.4 x 10(-8) M at 24 C and 5 C, respectively. One molecule of [(14)C]erythromycin was bound to each 70S ribosome at equilibrium. Binding of erythromycin to ribosomes was rapid and reversible. The specific rate constants for the forward and reverse reactions were 1.7 x 10(7) liters per mol per min and 0.15 per min, respectively.