The central role of the ribonucleic acids (RNA) in mediating the expression of information encoded in DNA in living cells is now well established. Research in this area of biology continues at a remarkable rate, and new and significant information appears almost daily in a wide range of journals, published symposia and specialist reviews. The diverse nature of this information makes it difficult for the newcomer to the field of RNA biochemistry to obtain a general view of established concepts, current activity, and new advances. Moreover, the reviews available are frequently concerned with...