The kinetic parameters for the conversion of alpha-D-glucose to beta-D-glucose were measured using a blood glucometer. The reaction order, rate constant, and Arrhenius activation energy are reported for the noncatalyzed reaction and turnover number and Michaelis constant are reported for the reaction catalyzed by porcine kidney mutarotase. The…

Shows how a simple investigation of the enzyme, thrombin, can provide a series of experiments giving information on enzyme characteristics. The results also provide a basis for discussion of the coagulation mechanism and related phenomena. (Author/AL)

Describes an exercise that illustrates the synthesis of an amino acid and Michael type condensation. The exercise can be used with college students of chemistry or biochemistry. (HM)

Describes a biochemistry laboratory course in which students worked in groups; each group selected three of nine possible experiments. Each student was responsible for using the chemical literature to obtain detailed procedures for performing the experiments, and submitted formal reports on each experiment. (MLH)

Presents a biochemistry experiment for college students that illustrates the purification of an enzyme. (HM)