Gene Machine: The Race To Decipher The Secrets Of The Ribosome

Venki Ramakrishnan

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Everyone knows the term DNA: it is the essence of our being - it determines who we are and what we pass on to our progeny. Mention the ribosome, on the other hand, and you will usually be met with blank faces, even from scientists. And yet without the ribosome, nothing lives. For if DNA is data then the ribosome is the machine that processes that data.

Unlocking the secrets of this gene-reading molecule was once among the most fundamental problems in molecular biology. Gene Machine is the thrilling story of how three scientists including Dr Ramakrishnan succeeded in decoding the ribosome, later winning the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Historical Context: Ramakrishnan likely provides historical context, detailing the scientific efforts and breakthroughs leading up to the race to decipher the ribosome's secrets.

  2. Ribosome Structure: The book likely explores the structure of the ribosome, including its complex architecture and the challenges researchers faced in unraveling its molecular structure.

  3. Molecular Biology: Ramakrishnan likely delves into the intricacies of molecular biology, explaining the role of the ribosome in translating genetic information from DNA to RNA and ultimately to proteins.

  4. Technological Advances: The book may highlight the technological advances that enabled researchers to study the ribosome at the atomic level, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy.

  5. International Collaboration: Ramakrishnan likely emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in scientific research, as researchers from around the world worked together to decipher the ribosome's structure.

  6. Competitive Nature of Science: The book may reflect on the competitive nature of scientific research, as multiple research groups raced to be the first to uncover the ribosome's secrets.

  7. Impact on Medicine: The book likely discusses the medical implications of ribosome research, including its relevance to antibiotic development and understanding diseases related to ribosome dysfunction.

  8. Scientific Discovery Process: Ramakrishnan likely provides insights into the scientific discovery process, illustrating the trial-and-error, persistence, and serendipity involved in groundbreaking research.

  9. Scientist's Journey: The book may offer glimpses into Ramakrishnan's personal journey as a scientist, including his motivations, challenges, and moments of revelation during the ribosome research.

  10. Philosophical Reflections: Finally, "Gene Machine" may prompt philosophical reflections on the nature of scientific inquiry, the pursuit of knowledge, and the mysteries of life at the molecular level.

Language English
ISBN-10 9353023238
ISBN-13 9789353023232
No of pages 272
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher HarperCollins India
Published Date 19 Sep 2018

About Author

Author : Venki Ramakrishnan

NA

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