Malnutrition due to alcoholism is discussed. It includes energy from the metabolism of ethanol as it contributes to obesity, the replacement of nutritious foods by sources of ethanol, inhibition of vitamins being activated, the increase in excretion of valuable minerals, and toxicity to cells of organ systems. (Author/SA)

Two computer programs have been written in BASIC as a teaching aid for instruction of HNC, HND, and degree students in enzyme kinetics. (BB)

Discusses advantages of radial diffusion assay in determining presence of enzyme and/or rough approximation of amount of enzyme activities. Procedures are included for the preparation of starch-agar plates, and the application and determination of enzyme. Techniques using plant materials (homogenates, tissues, ungerminated embryos, and seedlings)…

Discusses a special topics biochemistry course that uses membrance phenomena to illustrate the interplay of many physical chemistry principles. (MLH)

Describes a method for determining the rate constants of enzyme reactions involving two substrates with the use of double reciprocal plots. (MLH)

Describes a procedure for performing an enzyme assay colorimetrically on tyrosinase obtained from fruits and vegetables. (MLH)

A study examined a paper-based method of testing in a clinical biochemistry course, part of a new modular, systems-oriented medical curriculum at the University of Otago (New Zealand). The method of assessment was found easy to administer, and students valued the quizzes as a stimulus to study and as feedback. (Author/MSE)

Describes a successful program in which older medical students act as tutors to first-year students in small-group teaching sessions. Describes the organization and evaluation of this program. (MKR)

Determines the extent to which cortisol level covaries with psychological dysregulation. Results indicated that dysregulation was higher and cortisol level lower in boys compared to girls. Concludes that boys and girls differ with respect to biochemical indicators of stress reactivity underlying psychological dysregulation, a putative phenotype…

Describes a unit to study the cycling of matter and energy through speleology using cooperative learning groups. Integrates the topic with zoology, biogeochemistry, paleontology, and meteorology. Includes a sample rubric for a salt block cave presentation, unit outline, and processes for studying matter and energy processes in caves. (Author/KHR)

Attempts to delineate certain basic principles and applications of bioinorganic chemistry to oxidation-reduction reactions. Examines why zinc(II) is so uniquely suited to enzymated reactions of the acid-base type. Suggests the answer may be in the natural abundance and the basic physicochemical properties of zinc(II). (MVL)

Reports on a biochemistry education workshop held at the University of the Philippines, in October, 1987 sponsored by the Philippine Biochemical Society. Discussed are biochemistry research, and the problems of biochemistry education in the Philippines. Four addresses made at the workshop are summarized. (CW)

Described are discussions held concerning the problems of biochemical education in Brazil at a meeting of the Sociedade Brazileira de Bioquimica in April 1988. Also discussed are other visits that were made to universities in Brazil. Three major recommendations to improve the state of biochemistry education in Brazil are presented. (CW)

Discusses the background and events which lead to a career devoted to plant biochemistry and the study of vitamin synthesis. Describes laboratory studies which demonstrated that, in mammals, vitamin A is formed from beta-carotene as it crosses the intestinal wall. (RT)

The Department of Pharmaceutics at the University of Illinois at Chicago has been carrying out research in pharmaceutical biotechnology that has allowed unique student involvement and promises further interdisciplinary research and instructional activities. (MSE)