Amazing insights into the location of elusive potassium ions on bacterial ribosomes
Groundbreaking research at the new long-wavelength macromolecular crystallography beamline (I23) at Diamond Light Source has for the first time demonstrated the location of potassium ions in bacterial ribosomes. Ribosomes are the protein factories of cells and although they are vital for life, little was known of the sites of metal ions that are crucial for their structure and function. The work recently published in Nature Communications showcases the fantastic applications of the I23 beamline and sheds light on the important role of potassium ions.
>Read more on the Diamond Light Source website
Image: (extract, full image here) 70S ribosome elongation complex (potassium atoms rendered as green spheres).