Ribosome Structure and Function Emergent

Abstract

Although the corresponding data for 50 S subunits are still being assembled, it is doubtful that these data will significantly alter the general features of ribosome structure that have emerged from analysis of the 30 S subunits. One overwhelming characteristic of the ribosome is its apparent complexity, which is reflected both in the diversity of ribosomal components and in their dissymmetric arrangement. The absence of repeat-structures implies that the functions of the ribosome are dissymmetric; this should influence the choice of models for protein synthesis.