Self-similar properties of the ribosome in terms of the mass fractal dimension are investigated. We find that both the 30S subunit and the 16S rRNA have fractal dimensions of 2.58 and 2.82, respectively; while the 50S subunit as well as the 23S rRNA has the mass fractal dimension close to 3, implying a compact three-dimensional macromolecule. This finding supports the dynamic and active role of the 30S subunit in the protein synthesis, in contrast to the pass role of the 50S subunit.

• Received 9 January 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.73.042901