The History of the Structural Analysis of Ribosomes by Electron Microscopy

Abstract

Ribosomes decode genetic information encoded mRNA and synthesize corresponding proteins, which exert various functions in biological activities. This macromolecular assembly is more than 25 nm in diameter, and its core is mainly comprised of RNA moiety covered with many proteins. The history of the visualization of ribosomes has been with electron microscopy. The observation of ribosomes started in the early 1960s using negative staining microscopy, followed by cryo-electron microscopy revealed its high-resolution structures and dynamics. Now, cryo-EM has become an essential tool for understanding the basic principle of translation. This review overviews the history and recent advancements in the structural analysis of ribosomes.