The Dependence of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis in E. Coli Upon Naturally Occuring or Synthetic Polyribonucleotides
- Contributor(s):
- Nirenberg, Marshall W. Matthaei, Heinrich Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
- Publication:
- National Academy of Sciences (U.S.), October 1961
- Language(s):
- English
- Format:
- Text
- Subject(s):
- RNA RNA, Ribosomal Escherichia coli RNA, Messenger
- Genre(s):
- Archival Materials Articles
- Abstract:
- In this landmark essay, published in conjunction with "Characteristics and Stabilization of DNAase-Sensitive Protein Synthesis in E. coli Extracts," the authors present the same conclusions revealed in Nirenberg's address at the now famous International Congress of Biochemistry in Moscow during August 1961. Adding an artificial form of RNA, polyuridylic acid, consisting of the base uracil, to the E. coli extract resulted in the production of an unnatural protein composed entirely of the amino acid phenylalanine. The experiment showed that UUU was the codon for phenylalanine and that messenger RNA, which transcribes genetic information from DNA, directs protein synthesis. This provided a route to base compositions of codons and the exploration of the general nature of the code.
- Copyright:
- This item may be under copyright protection; contact the copyright owner for permission before re-use.
- Extent:
- 15 pages
- NLM Unique ID:
- 101584910X50 (See in Profiles in Science)
- Profiles in Science ID:
- JJBBDK
- Permanent Link:
- http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101584910X50
- Archival Collection:
- The Marshall W. Nirenberg Papers (Profiles in Science)