The ribosome at atomic resolution

The publication of atomic resolution crystal structures for the large ribos omal subunit from Haloarcula marismortui and the small ribosomal subunit fr om Thermus thermophilus has permanently altered the way protein synthesis i s conceptualized and experiments designed to address its unresolved issues. The impact of these structures on RNA biochemistry is certain to be no les s profound. The background and substance of these developments are reviewed here.