We describe an E. coli ribosome system which forms only the first peptide bond of f2 proteins. Intact f2 RNA directs formation of the amino-terminal dipeptides of both the coat and maturation protein, a result showing directly that ribosomes can independently attach to two sites on the f2 RNA. A specific fragment of f2 RNA directs formation also of the first peptide bond of the RNA polymerase. © 1969.