Presents the application of knowledge in the physical sciences to biological science problems, including those in the behavioral sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Examples are presented in the areas of molecular psychology and theoretical biology, besides the principal genetic discussion. (RR)

Chemical responses as active and precisely targeted as those of animal immune systems characterize the defenses plants mount against microbial/herbivoral predation and disease. Past and current research in this field is reported and discussed. Applications, such as the prediction of past outbreaks, are also discussed. (JN)

Students often have difficulty in understanding the processes responsible for the ionic basis of the membrane potential. Because descriptions in textbooks are not satisfactory and in some cases in error, a discussion of the processes underlying the potential (combining known results) is provided. (Author/JN)

Described is the first part of a two-term project involving final-year students in biochemistry. Listed are the required experiments compiled to test students' abilities to search biochemical literature, extract experiments from journals and carry them out, generate data, and interpret results. (CS)

The rhythmic patterning of man's biochemical, physiological, and psychological behavior and the temporal relationships among various functions are the province of chronobiology. Citing animal and human studies, the author documents the progress of this new science and poses complex questions that it may answer about human behavior. (Editor/SJL)

The efficacy of steroids in development of muscular strength in athletes is not proven. Their long-term use is increasingly being associated with liver disorders, including liver cancer, and other health problems. (JD)

Provides an introduction to the field of molecular evolution. Changes in genetic material and proteins help to time the stages of species evolution. (BB)

Gives evidence for hydration effects as the cause of the dependence of DNA's buoyant density on the percent composition of its guanine and cytosine bases. (MLH)

This paper reviews what is known about the role of neurochemicals in controlling the development of the brain and in the pathophysiology of autism. Suggested approaches to further research involve using animal models, examining effects of drugs on neurochemicals, and using such technologies as positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance…

Investigates chemistry topics necessary to facilitate the study of biochemistry in U.S. medical schools. Lists topics considered especially important and topics considered especially unimportant in general chemistry and organic chemistry. Suggests that in teaching undergraduate general or organic chemistry, the topics categorized as exceptionally…

Presents a laboratory exercise that demonstrates the sensitivity of the Polymerase Chain Reaction as well as its potential application to forensic analysis during a criminal investigation. Can also be used to introduce, review, and integrate population and molecular genetics topics such as genotypes, multiple alleles, allelic and genotypic…

Osmotic aspects of aqueous solutions that are usually disregarded in biochemistry textbooks are presented. This article discusses the osmolarity of seawater, evolution of organisms over geological time, ionic adaptation of cells, ionic concentrations in bacteria, osmolytes and blood electrolytes in water-stressed organisms and land vertebrates,…

Describes a learning model that can be used to help students understand the process of genetic translation. (ZWH)

Provides a new look into biochemistry to yield insights with profound implications for new application in the area of reading disabilities. (MG)