These markers significantly enhance the ability to pinpoint functional units within the ribosome. And the resultant image, constructed from twice as much diffraction data as collected elsewhere, provides a far-reaching glimpse into the microscopic ribosomal world, revealing certain outstanding, heretofore unobserved features. Opening the Ribosomal Gate Ribosomes consist of two independent subunits of unequal size. To do so, her team had to first activate the ribosomal particles within the crystal lattice as well as trigger protein biosynthesis. Both tasks called for a creative stretch of scientific imagination.
Crystals limit molecular motion, thereby impeding conformational changes.
Since controlled heating had previously been shown to enhance ribosomal activation, Yonath decided to take a chance at heating up the crystals despite concerns that this would cause their disintegration. Yonath s findings are the result of almost twenty years of determined experimentation into largely uncharted territories. In the course of her pursuit, she became the first scientist to successfully create ribosomal crystals that diffract to high resolution, around 3 angstroms. The achievements generated by Yonath s team indicate that the road to near-atomic resolution of ribosomal structures is closer than ever before. Their approach and procedures have recently been repeated by a growing contingent of international researchers - all racing to elucidate the mystery of ribosomal functioning.