Preface 



Knowledge on the biosynthesis of proteins is increasing so rapidly, and 

 relevant data are obtained from such a variety of approaches that it is 

 more and more difficult to keep abreast with the progress of research. 

 Chemistry, crystallography, genetics, cytology, cellular physiology, 

 embryology, immunology, microbiology, enzymology all contribute to the 

 analysis of the process. It is obviously impossible to master all these 

 sciences, and each worker must go his own way, trying his best with what 

 he can do. But he must from time to time stop and look around to appre- 

 ciate the advances made along the other lines of research, lest he might 

 lose contact altogether with the other approaches. The author felt this 

 necessity for himself and for the students in his laboratory, and he tried 

 to outline a picture of the whole field of protein biosynthesis as he sees 

 it presently. The outcome of his attempt was this little book, in which 

 well established facts were merely summarized, and greater emphasis was 

 laid upon recent developments and new perspectives. It is realized that 

 the discussions and interpretations of recent data that this book contains 

 will soon become obsolete : this is unavoidable in a field of research which 

 is developing so rapidly. The picture presented here should be regarded 

 as a snapshot taken at the end of 1960; blurred spots on the picture are 

 due in part to the lens, and in part to the fog that still covers large regions 

 of the field. 



The present book has profited very much by frequent conversations 

 with Professors R. Jeener, J. Brachet and M. Errera, and with Dr R. 

 Thomas and Dr M. De Deken. The author wishes to express his sincere 

 thanks to Dr G. Palade who kindly gave beautiful electronmicrographs, to 

 Mrs Bonnami and Mrs Hamers for their help in the publication of the 

 manuscript, and to Mrs Chantrenne who prepared the index. 



H. Chantrenne 



