Researchers observe spontaneous 'ratcheting' of single ribosome molecules

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Physics professor Taekjip Ha and postdoctoral fellow Peter Cornish report that they are the first to observe the dynamic ratchet-like movements of single ribosomal molecules in the act of building proteins from genetic blueprints. Credit: Photo by L. ...
Physics professor Taekjip Ha and postdoctoral fellow Peter Cornish report that they are the first to observe the dynamic, ratchet-like movements of single ribosomal molecules in the act of building proteins from genetic blueprints. Credit: Photo by L. Brian Stauffer, U. of I. News Bureau

Researchers report this week that they are the first to observe the dynamic, ratchet-like movements of single ribosomal molecules in the act of building proteins from genetic blueprints. Their study, published in the journal Molecular Cell, reveals a key mechanism in the interplay of molecules that allows cells to build the proteins needed to sustain life.


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