Venkatraman Ramakrishnan

Definition

Venkatraman Ramakrishnan is an Indian-American structural biologist known for his pioneering work on the structure and function of ribosomes. His research has greatly advanced the understanding of how ribosomes synthesize proteins, making significant contributions to molecular biology and the field of biochemistry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2009 for his studies on the structure and function of the ribosome, highlighting its importance in protein synthesis.
2. His groundbreaking work using X-ray crystallography allowed for detailed visualization of ribosomal structures at an atomic level.
3. Ramakrishnan's research revealed how ribosomes interpret genetic code to assemble amino acids into proteins, elucidating a fundamental biological process.
4. He has served as president of the Royal Society, emphasizing his influence and leadership within the scientific community.
5. His contributions have opened pathways for advancements in drug development and understanding diseases linked to protein synthesis errors.

Review Questions

• How did Venkatraman Ramakrishnan's work with ribosomes advance our understanding of protein synthesis?
  • Ramakrishnan's research utilized X-ray crystallography to reveal the detailed structure of ribosomes, which are essential for translating mRNA into proteins. By understanding how ribosomes function at a molecular level, he provided insights into how genetic information is converted into functional proteins. This knowledge has implications not just for molecular biology but also for fields like drug development and biotechnology.
• What role did X-ray crystallography play in Ramakrishnan's discoveries about ribosomes?
  • X-ray crystallography was crucial in Ramakrishnan's work because it allowed him to capture high-resolution images of ribosomal structures. This technique enabled him to analyze the arrangement of atoms within the ribosome, leading to revelations about how ribosomes operate during protein synthesis. The detailed structures obtained through this method have been pivotal for understanding both normal cellular processes and diseases linked to ribosomal dysfunction.
• Evaluate the broader impact of Venkatraman Ramakrishnan's research on molecular biology and its applications in medicine.
  • Ramakrishnan's research on ribosomes has had profound implications for molecular biology, particularly in elucidating the mechanisms behind protein synthesis. This foundational knowledge is essential for understanding various biological processes and diseases. The insights gained from his work have influenced drug design strategies aimed at targeting bacterial ribosomes, thereby contributing to antibiotic development. Overall, his contributions bridge basic science with practical applications in medicine, illustrating how structural biology can lead to advancements in healthcare.

Related terms

Ribosome: A ribosome is a molecular machine found within all living cells that serves as the site of protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.

X-ray Crystallography: X-ray crystallography is a technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal by scattering X-ray beams off the electrons in the crystal.

Protein Synthesis: Protein synthesis is the process by which cells build proteins based on the genetic instructions carried by messenger RNA (mRNA).