Discussed is the fundamental role that the favorable free energy of binding of the rate-determining transition state plays in catalysis. The principle that all of the catalytic factors discussed are realized by the use of this binding energy is reviewed. (CW)

Neurochemical and psychological effects of fenfluramine were examined on 20 autistic children (aged 1-10) over a 48-week period. A decrease in abnormal motor behavior was found, but no improvement in intellectual functioning. Serotonin decreased 53 percent after fenfluramine treatment and rebounded to levels 35 percent higher than baseline…

A method of obtaining a crude mitochondrial extract from sheep and beef heart is described. The respiratory substrates succinate and malate are examined as well as the inhibitory effect of malonate. An interface with a microcomputer for plotting colorimeter results is discussed. (Author/CW)

Described is a laboratory exercise designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of gene mapping including RNA extraction, sucrose density gradient centrifugation, labelling of nucleic acids in vitro, DNA extraction, digestion of DNA with restriction enzymes, and the southern hybridization analysis. Procedures and sample results are…

Described is an experiment which uses an autotrophic bacterium to anaerobically oxidize hydrogen sulfide to sulfate in a batch-stirred tank reactor. Discusses background information, experimental procedure, and sample results of this activity. (CW)

The literature on entrepreneurship is reviewed as it relates to the university setting. Academic entrepreneurship is defined as actions designed to increase individual or institutional profit or prestige through development and marketing of research ideas or products. Case studies in the fields of pharmacy and biochemistry are presented. (MSE)

Presents an overview of the important items that the author's suggest should be included in a biochemistry course given to students in veterinary medicine. Presents a broad range of specific topics in biochemistry and strategies for covering as many topics as possible in one course. (LZ)

Describes the research efforts of scientists involved in discovering chemical transmission of the nerve impulse. The work includes that of J.N. Langley, George Oliver, Edward A. Schafer, Reid Hunt, Henry Dale, Henry Wellcome, Otto Loewi, and others. The discovery and the importance of both acetylcholine and adrenaline are also discussed. (84…

Differences in biochemical education for job qualification and education for career preparation are described. Asserts that educational changes are needed to prepare students for careers. To build career skills, the author argues there needs to be more small group work. (PR)

Modifications in content and structure of basic courses in biochemistry are suggested to amend insufficiencies in biochemical education. Presents information on how molecular cell biology course was designed and evaluated to promote self-study. Senior undergraduate tutors were novelty of the course. Students rated the course highly for being…

Presents Principles of Biochemistry for use as main focus of a biochemistry course. The nine guiding ideas are the principles of continual turnover, macromolecular organization, molecular recognition, multiplicity of utilization, maximum efficiency, gradual change, interrelationship, transformational reciprocity, and information transfer. In use…

This case study of a woman with profound mental retardation and a history of severe self-injurious behavior (SIB) found that the dramatic decrease in SIB following Naltrexone administration was maintained through placebo and no drug phases and at six-month follow-up. Findings are discussed in terms of endogenous opioid system theories of SIB. (DB)

The confusion by students on the use of three terms in their writing is discussed. The definitions of catabolite repression, constitutive, and ribosome binding site, given in the glossaries of 10 textbooks, are compared with the use of these terms in students' papers. (KR)

Administration of the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) for three groups of institutionalized patients with severe/profound mental retardation found that the 12 depressed patients more frequently (though not significantly) had positive DSTs and significantly higher cortisol levels compared with nondepressed patients with and without other…

Suggests a new approach to teaching about biochemical cellular processes by stimulating student interest in those biochemical processes that allowed for the outcomes of modern biotechnologies. Discusses the development of students' ability to ask meaningful questions about intra-cellular processes, and the resulting meaningful learning of relevant…