Ribosomal protein S4 is an internal protein: Localization by immunoelectron microscopy on protein-deficient subribosomal particles.

The location of protein S4 in the small ribosomal subunit has been identified by immunoelectron microscopy. Although intact small subunits are not reactive with antibodies directed against protein S4, subribosomal particles reconstituted without proteins S5 and S12 are reactive. By using these "incomplete" subparticles, we have mapped the position of S4. It is located at a single site on the exterior (cytoplasmic) side of the subunit, at the partition that separates the one-third, or head, from two-thirds, or base, of the subunit. In this location, protein S4 is "beneath" proteins S5 and S12. All three proteins are members of a complex on, or near, the external surface of the small ribosomal subunit that plays an important role in regulation of translational fidelity.