Stage-specific synthesis of proteins complexed to ribonucleoprotein particles and ribosomes in zoospores of Blastocladiella emersonii.

In Blastocladiella emersonii zoospores, a set of proteins was found associated with the ribosomes and free ribonucleoprotein particles distinct from the ribosomes and polyribosomes. These proteins were designated P120, P105, P64, P56, and P42 based on their molecular weights determined by gel electrophoresis. Synthesis of these proteins was detected only during late sporulation just before the time polyadenylated ribonucleic acid accumulates in the sporangia. These proteins banded in isopycnic metrizamide gradients at densities of 1.31 and 1.27 g/cm3, which corresponded to the densities of the ribosomes and free ribonucleoprotein particles, respectively. Comparison of the distribution of the proteins in sucrose versus metrizamide gradients suggested that P105 was removed from the free ribonucleoprotein particles before complexing with the ribosomes. During germination, these proteins disappeared from the ribosomal fractions, with kinetics corresponding to the resumption of protein synthesis. Another protein (P178) was observed to bind to the ribosomes before the onset of protein synthesis during germination. Cycloheximide did not block the addition of this protein to the monoribosomes.