They are the link between the genetic instructions encoded in DNA and the protein molecules that carry out the activities of living cells. The images obtained by the UCSC researchers show how different parts of the ribosome interact with one another and how the ribosome interacts with certain molecules involved in protein synthesis. Although researchers are eager to obtain even more detailed images of the ribosome in action, these results show that the ultimate goal of understanding exactly how the ribosome works is finally within reach. Their findings are reported in two papers published in the September 24 issue of the journal Science. The potential applications of this research cover a broad range, from understanding the origins of life to developing more effective antibiotics, Noller said.
Ribosomes are ancient structures that show little variation among different forms of life.
Inside every living cell, tens of thousands of ribosomes churn out proteins with mind-boggling speed and precision. Most research has focused on bacterial ribosomes, which are a bit smaller than those in higher organisms. Even bacterial ribosomes are extraordinarily complex. They are composed of three different RNA molecules and more than 50 different proteins arranged in two major subunits, which join together to form the complete ribosome. To obtain images of this complex structure, Noller's group used a technique called x-ray crystallography.