Reviews the biological importance of the lipids categorized as waxes and describes some of the organic chemistry of these compounds. Presents a short laboratory exercise on the extraction of plant waxes and their analysis by thin layer chromatography. (Author/CCM)

Describes the successful use of giving examples of genes affecting various steps in biochemical pathways to teach gene interaction. Finds that once students grasp the notion that genes can interact because they control different steps within biochemical pathways, the reason why phenotypic ratios appear to be non-Mendelian becomes more obvious and…

Argues that biologists' understanding of the cell has become richer over the past 30 years. Describes how genetic engineering and sophisticated computer technology have provided an increased knowledge of genes, gene products, components of cells, and the structure and function of proteins. (CCM)

Recommends the use of ethical issues to engage college nonscience majors in discussion. Focuses on using problems that pertain to biomedical situations and decisions such as transferring living parts from one type of organism into another. (DDR)

Proposes models for the lichen symbiosis, genomic, and plasmid DNA and fluid mosaic membrane structure. The models operate at the classroom level with the classroom becoming the cell in a DNA exercise with students as interactive components. (DDR)

Speculates as to how understanding of heart disease has developed and provides insight into how medical science makes progress. Summarizes the state of knowledge on arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and exercising the heart. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

The volume of data available through literature and databases on the internet is valuable to students as resources. Describes an integrated approach that involves the use of the library, literature, and internet databases. (Author/SAH)

Calls for more manuscripts on problem-based learning in the biochemical sciences. Includes information on problem-based learning conferences. (SAH)

Describes an inquiry-based biochemistry activity on the industrial applications of cellulase, which is known as biostoning, and used to soften denim jeans. (YDS)

Summarizes the mechanics of a course designed to give students a structured, guided approach that simulates more closely the way that many students approach learning new material. (CCM)

Creates an advanced biochemistry laboratory course that focuses on the development of experimental design and troubleshooting skills which provide students with the opportunity to design and evaluate their own experiments through semester-long independent projects with a common theme. Indicates that students were often frustrated but felt that the…

The appeal as natural antidepressant is the major selling point of St. John's Wort, which is referred to as "Prozac from the plant kingdom". Hypericin and hyperforin, two major constituents with significant biological activity of St. John's Wort and which are complex molecules with unusual features, are examined.

A new undergraduate laboratory experiment suitable for demonstrating some key techniques used in natural products chemistry is described. A laboratory experiment is developed which in the process of extracting shikimic acid from star aniseed exposes students to a number of important experimental techniques.

We investigated the role of acetylcholine (ACh) during encoding and retrieval of tone/shock-induced fear conditioning with the aim of testing Hasselmo's cholinergic modulation model of encoding and retrieval using a task sensitive to hippocampal disruption. Lesions of the hippocampus impair acquisition and retention of contextual conditioning with…

Decreases in behavioral investigation of novel stimuli over time may be mediated by a variety of factors including changes in attention, internal state, and motivation. Sensory cortical adaptation, a decrease in sensory cortical responsiveness over prolonged stimulation, may also play a role. In olfaction, metabotropic glutamate receptors on…