Author Description

The ribosome is a complex and fascinating organelle that occupies a central role in cell metabolism. Consisting of over 50 different proteins and three to four RNA molecules, it has provided a stimulating challenge to biochemists, geneticists, molecular biologists and biophysical chemists for over three decades. There has been a recent upsurge in interest in the structure and function of the ribosome with the advent of improved molecular and biophysical techniques, and an increasing emphasis on the potential capabilities of RNA molecules to act as molecular catalysts. This book aims to be a self-contained, introductory reference text dealing at a practical level with this organelle. It contains detailed but not too technical articles covering a wide range of topics within this vast domain. The initial chapters will enable the reader to construct cell-free protein-synthesizing systems from highly purified components, "in vitro" transcription and translation systems. The subsequent chapters are intended to create an understanding of the methods which are now being used to elucidate the structure and function of this complex but fundamental ribonucleoprotein organelle.