EF-Tu-GDP

PDB file 1TUI

This file depicts the elongation factor EF-Tu with bound GDP. The structure was solved by G. Polekhina, S. Thirup, M. Kjeldgaard, P. Nissen, C. Lippmann, & J. Nyborg  in 1996.

Suggested display options:

The structural unit in this crystal includes 3 copies of the protein. To simplify the view, select all and then select hide selected.

Select chain a (or use the command line to select *a) color chain, and display as cartoons.
Using the command line select gdpa, display as spacefill, and color CPK.
Select mg*a, display as spacefill, & color CPK.

To have a frame of reference in comparing to the structure with the GTP analog, give the following residues the colors indicated, but do not change their display from cartoon:

• select 405a (the C-terminus) and color yellow
• select 160a and color magenta
• select 327a and color green.

Rotate so that the C-terminus (in yellow) is centered at the bottom and pointing leftward, and the ligand (GDP) is in front.
Compare to the structure of the same protein complexed with the GTP analog GDPNP.
Note, e.g., the position of the ligand-binding domain relative to the C-terminus, the difference in distance between residues 160 (magenta) & 327 (green), and differences in secondary structure.

Return to Lecture Notes
on Protein Synthesis

Or press Back button
at top twice
to return to your place in the notes.