The roles of RNA in the synthesis of protein.
The crystal structures of ribosomes that have been obtained since 2000 have transformed our understanding of protein synthesis. In addition to proving that RNA is responsible for catalyzing peptide bond formation, these structures have provided important insights into the mechanistic details of how the ribosome functions. This review emphasizes what has been learned about the mechanism of peptide bond formation, the antibiotics that inhibit ribosome function, and the fidelity of decoding.
Department of Molecular Biophysics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 208114, USA. peter.moore@yale.edu
Peter B
PB
Moore
Thomas A
TA
Steitz
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001665:Binding Sites; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D008958:Models, Molecular; D010458:Peptidyl Transferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D012343:RNA, Transfer / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; D012313:RNA; D012343:RNA, Transfer; D010458:Peptidyl Transferases