The process of reading the genetic code of DNA to produce proteins involves an intermediate molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA). Initially mRNA contains sequences that won’t form part of the new protein, termed introns, as well as protein-coding sequences known as exons. Removal of introns and joining together of exons is called splicing and is […]
Snapshot of a pre-catalytic spliceosome reveals how the exon-intron junction is introduced into the active site
LMB 365 – Day 102
The photo for day 102 of #LMB365 is of the new power distribution units (PDUs) in the server room. The PDUs are part of the significant electrical infrastructure required and can supply 200 kW of power to the new computing equipment. They are configured to provide redundancy should one system ever develop a fault the power can be taken from the stand-by feed.
LMB 365 – Day 101
On day 101 of #LMB365 a display of photographs in a meeting room charts the 10 former Heads of the Structural Studies Division: Max Perutz, John Kendrew, Hugh Huxley, Aaron Klug, Richard Henderson, Nigel Unwin, Tony Crowther, Kiyoshi Nagai, Venki Ramakrishnan and Jan Löwe. This impressive list includes 5 Nobel Laureates and 4 LMB Directors. Imagine having a meeting here with this eminent group looking down upon you.
LMB 365 – Day 100
Neurons (brain cells) communicate by passing electrical signals to each other across connections called synapses. By simulating the activity of individual synapses on a neuron, seen as deflections in this image for day 100 of #LMB365, Jake Watson in Ingo Greger’s group in Neurobiology can investigate the properties of information transfer between neurons.
LMB raises over £200 for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal
Staff at the LMB have raised £226.77 for Marie Curie as part of “The Great Daffodil Appeal”. Freda Chapman, from the LMB’s Domestic Services team, led the collecting in her role as the “Face of East England” for Marie Curie’s campaign. On volunteering to collect for Marie Curie, Freda said, “I collect because I lost […]
LMB 365 – Day 99
Day 99 of #LMB365 is a journal cover design by Lesley McKeane in the LMB’s Visual Aids team. The selective coupling of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to specific G proteins is critical to trigger the appropriate physiological response. This image represents this selective binding using the analogy of multiple keys (receptors) opening the same lock (G protein, orange).