What is Venkatraman Ramakrishnan known for?
I am best known for determining the atomic structure of the ribosome, the molecular machine that translates genetic information into proteins. Using X-ray crystallography, my group solved the structure of the 30S ribosomal subunit and later the entire 70S ribosome, which revealed how antibiotics bind and how the ribosome ensures accurate decoding of mRNA. This work earned me the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, shared with Thomas Steitz and Ada Yonath. The structure tells us how it works—seeing the precise arrangement of RNA and proteins explained decades of biochemical puzzles. I also served as President of the Royal Society, where I emphasized evidence-based policy and the importance of fundamental research.
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