Reviews the SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique for the separation of proteins and determination of their molecular weights. (SL)

Presents a biochemistry laboratory experiment in enzymology using polyphenoloxidase or tyrosinase. (SL)

Describes a lecture demonstration which illustrates changes in the visible spectra of oxygen transport proteins upon reversible oxygen binding. Provides a comparison of the physical characteristics of oxygen storage and transport proteins. Reviews essentials for preparation of the materials. (ML)

Discusses the relationship between graduate and postgraduate training at universities, and industry needs. Describes university activities and the organization of university research in comparison to industry. Mentions three programs which have been undertaken in Denmark to integrate postgraduate training with industrial experience. (CW)

Describes a three-week sequence to take undergraduate students through the study of enzyme kinetics in an integrated manner that reinforces the basic concepts of initial velocity and the effects of varying operational parameters. Discusses laboratory sessions and the use of a microcomputer in instruction. (CW)

Outlines a laboratory exercise that makes use of Beer's Law plots of cysteine constructed at several pH values over a broad range of wavelengths to estimate the tautomeric ratio (R) of two singly charged ionic forms, calculate the microscopic constants, and construct ultraviolet spectra for both light absorbing species. (CW)

Reports on a study designed to elicit detailed views on the subject matter content for a biochemistry curriculum. Includes the questionnaire and mean results for each question, in which respondents were asked to indicate the importance of a subtopic, the actual coverage of that subtopic, and the "ideal" coverage. (TW)

Describes an alternative medical school curriculum for the first two years of preclinical basic science studies. Discusses student and faculty selection for the program. Details the format for teaching biochemistry in the Alternative Curriculum, including program structure, content organization and exams. Evaluates the success of the program. (CW)

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) converts genetic information into protein and usually must be processed to serve its function. RNA types, chemical structure, protein synthesis, translation, manufacture, and processing are discussed. Concludes that the first genes might have been spliced RNA and that humans might be closer than bacteria to primitive…

Describes current methods for the synthesis of DNA. Also describes the use of DNA as a highly specific molecular probe and as an agent for the mutation of genes. (DH)

Outlines use of electrode potential diagrams in a simple system and in the Hill-Bendall scheme for photosynthesis to help students understand reaction mechanisms involved. Emphasizes use of arrows to depict electron transfer, concept of free-energy diagram, and that maximum heights on diagrams represent maximum work available/minimum work…

Discusses the diversity and dynamic nature of the chemical components of postharvest crops. Also discusses the role of respiration and genetic control in chemical transformations leading to desirable and undesirable changes in the quality of edible plants after harvest. The role of enzymes in producing these changes is considered. (JN)

Describes two computer programs (BASIC for 32K Commodore PET) for teaching protein synthesis. The first is an interactive test of base-pairing knowledge, and the second generates random DNA nucleotide sequences, with instructions for substitution, insertion, and deletion printed out for each student. (JN)

Describes an experimental biochemistry course designed to teach basic biochemical techniques using an unstudied enzyme as the experimental material. Explains the schedule of experiments designed for the course and lists the sources used. (GS)