Biosynthesis of reticulocyte membrane proteins by membrane-free polyribosomes.

Intact rabbit reticulocyte cells synthesize two predominant species of membrane polypeptides; at least 10 reticulocyte membrane polypeptide species are not produced by the cells. Cell-free extracts of reticulocytes, free of any membranes or membrane-bound polyribosomes, synthesize large amounts of these two membrane polypeptides; one of these polypeptides appears to be modified, probably by loss of 20-40 amino acids, after it is incorporated into the membrane. Deprivation of hemin results in inhibition of synthesis by lysates of membrane proteins, globin, and all other cytoplasmic proteins.