Abstract
The proteins of all living cells are synthesized by ribosomes. The ribosome is a large macromolecule consisting of ribonucleic acids (ribosomal RNAs) and proteins; it has a complex asymmetric quaternary structure. In order to synthesize protein, the ribosome must be supplied with (1) a program determining the sequence of amino acid residues in the polypeptide chain of a protein, (2) the amino acid substrate from which the protein is to be made, and (3) chemical energy. The ribosome itself plays a catalytic role and is responsible for forming peptide bonds, that is, for the polymerization of amino acid residues into the polypeptide chain.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Nomura, M. (1990) History of ribosome research: a personal account, in The Ribosome: Structure, Function, and Evolution (W. E. Hill, A. Dahlbery, R. A. Garrett, P. B. Moore, D. Schlesinger, and J. R. Warner, eds.) pp. 3–55, ASM Press, Washington, DC.
Siekevitz, P., and Zamecnik, P. C. (1981) Ribosomes and protein synthesis, J. Cell Biol. 91:665–765.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1999 Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Spirin, A.S. (1999). Protein Biosynthesis. In: Ribosomes. Cellular Organelles. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-7817-8_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-7817-8_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-0-306-46146-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-7817-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive