Macromolecular mimicry

Some proteins have been shown to mimic the overall shape and structure of n ucleic acids. For some of the proteins involved in translating the genetic information into proteins on the ribosome particle, there are indications t hat such observations of macromolecular mimicry even extend to similarity i n interaction with and function on the ribosome. A small number of structur al results obtained outside the protein biosynthesis machinery could indica te that the concept of macromolecular mimicry between proteins and nucleic acids is more general. The implications for the function and evolution of p rotein biosynthesis are discussed.