Egg Ribosomes of Argas (Persicargas) arboreus (Acari: Argasidae)

The ribosomes from Argas (Persicargas) arboreus Kaiser, Hoogstraal, and Kohls eggs were isolated, and their ability to initiate protein synthesis in a cell-free system was investigated. A greater proportion of polymeric forms was detected in the ribosome fractions at late embryogenesis than at early embryogenesis. Synthesis of RNA, ribosomal RNA, and ribosomal protein occurred during embryogenesis. The ratio of rRNA/rprotein was 1:1.02–1.15, of purines/pyrimidines was 1:1.06–1.10, and of 6-keto groups/6-amino groups was 1:1. Twenty-one different ribosomal proteins were separated by disk electrophoresis. The requirements for an amino acid-incorporating system from A. arboreus eggs were established. The pH 5 enzymes prepared from the tick eggs successfully supported the incorporation of C14 leucine by isolated ribosomes from A. arboreus eggs. RNase, but not DNase, inhibited the protein activity. The functioning of the A. arboreus ribosomes requires Mg++, GTP, ATP, or all of these.