Functional Recognition of Phage RNA by 30‐S Ribosomal Subunits in the Absence of Initiator tRNA

30-S ribosomal subunits of Escherichia coli form a stable complex with MS2 RNA or Q beta RNA at 37 degrees C in the absence of initiator tRNA. The complex functions as a precursor of initiation since it can enter the ribosome cycle in the presence of inhibitors of de novo initiation.