5.5 Angstrom resolution x-ray crystallographic structures of 70S ribosome
complexes containing messenger RNA and tranfer RNA (tRNA), or tRNA
analogs, are provided. The resolution has been enhanced by fitting atomic
resolution structures of 30S and 50S subunits onto the 5.5 anstrong
electron density map. The enhanced structure reveals regions of
structural differences between the 70S complex and the structures of the
individual 30S and 50S components. Pharmacophore design to discover novel
inhibitors or activators may be carried out using the enhanced 5.5
Angstrom 70S structure.