| Citation | Thomas Steitz is world renowned for his pioneering contributions to the mechanisms involved in the processes of gene replication, transcription, control, and translation, that are fundamental to all life. Through his studies of DNA binding proteins, activating enzymes, polymerases and ribosomes, we have learned how the elements of the central dogma of information flow from DNA to protein are coordinated at a molecular level. His work has often pushed the boundaries of what is considered technically feasible. Further, his recent work on the ribosome has enabled the structure-based design of new antibiotics that are now in clinical trials. |