Explanation: In 1955 at the University of California, it was demonstrated that TMV particles consist of one long molecule of RNA which is 6600nucleotides long wound in a helical capsule made of 2130 identical protein subunits.

Explanation: In the first experiments conducted in 1955, the RNA and protein components of a TMV were separated and then mixed together. After a brief incubation period, the recovered mixture contained infective particles. This confirmed the self-assembly property in TMV.

Explanation: Ribosomes consist of different types of RNAs and proteins. Regardless of the source, all ribosomes contain two subunits of different sizes.

Explanation: The large (50S) ribosomal subunit of bacteria contains 2 molecules of RNA and approximately 32 different proteins. The smaller 30S subunit contains one RNA molecule and 21 different proteins.

Explanation: The S16 protein of the smaller ribosomal subunit 30S was found to have a function solely in ribosome assembly. The deletion of this protein slowed down the in vitro assembly process.

Explanation: Ribosomal subunits of bacteria are capable of self-assembly whereas those of eukaryotes are not. Transient association of proteins is required in the in vitro synthesis of eukaryotic ribosomes that don’t even end up in the final product.