We determined the tRNA locations on the ribosome in all the three sites by applying cryo-electronmicroscopy (together with the group of Joachim Frank, Albany, USA; 2000; 27). Although the resolution of the cryo-EM method is only in the range of 7 to 15 Å, this is sufficient for the accurate localization of the tRNAs - which have a length of 75 Å - on the ribosome. The results led to a first 3D representation of the sequence of events taking place during protein synthesis (elongation cycle; Figure 2) resulting in a first video representation (2000; 27).
We analyzed the ribosomal factor Tet(O) and unraveled a novel resistance mechanism against the antibiotic tetracycline. Cryo-EM was also used to identify the binding site of the protein Tet(O) on the ribosome (2001; 28).