rRNA transcription and assembly were analyzed during cold adaptation.
After cold shock, 16S and 23S rRNA transcription and maturation continue at slower rate.
rRNA molecules are synthesized de novo from all rrn operons of E. coli, mainly from P2 promoters.
rRNA newly transcribed during cold acclimation is preferentially found in polysomes.
Ribosomes are slowly assembled during cold adaptation.