Discusses experimental evidence for the existence of organic material in the solar system prior to the earth's formation. Indicates that the earth could have received much of its organic compounds from meteors falling on its primitive surface. (CC)

Describes common artificially produced organized media such as colloids, surfactants, and polymers and their usefulness in studying complex biochemical processes. Discusses selected recent photophysical and photochemical exploitations of these systems, including artificial photosynthesis, in situ generation of colloidal gold and platinum,…

Electrochemical studies can give insights into the chemical aspects of enzymatic and in vivo redox reactions of naturally occurring organic compounds. This is illustrated by studies of the electrochemical oxidation of the purinem uric acid. The discussion is limited to information at pH 7 or greater. (JN)

Reviews the physiological effect of acute grief and explores the increased susceptibility to infectious disease agents in terms of the altered biochemistry of the bereaved individual. Until basic reactions of grief are defined and the altered biochemistry established, psychological methods appear to offer the best therapy. (Author/JAC)

Reviews various provisions of a five-year, $23.5-million research agreement between Washington University and the Monsanto Company. The scientific focus of this venture will be on proteins and peptides which modify cellular behavior. (SK)

Describes an experiment to examine the kinetics of carbamate decomposition and the effect of buffer catalysis on the reaction. Includes background information, laboratory procedures, evaluation of data, and teaching suggestions. (Author/JN)

A 1980 mail survey of the 72 American colleges of pharmacy concerning the status of required chemistry courses in the professional curriculum was conducted. Results of the survey are discussed and the survey was used to establish the baseline for the status of chemistry courses in the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum. (Author/MLW)

Described is a method of simulating the formation of a DNA distribution, on which statistical results and experimentally measured parameters from DNA distribution and percent-labeled mitosis studies are combined. An EAI-680 and DECSystem-10 Hybrid Computer configuration are used. (Author/CS)

Describes an undergraduate laboratory experiment using viscosity to follow the progress of the contractile process in muscles. This simple, short experiment illustrates the action of ATP as the source of energy in the contractile process and the catalytic effect of calcium ions as a control in the energy producing process. (CS)

Describes how a behavioral system in Aplysia (marine snail) can be used to examine mechanisms of several forms of learning at different levels of analysis: behavioral, cell-physiological, ultrastructural, and molecular. Focusing on short-term sensitization, suggests how molecular mechanisms can be extended to explain long-term memory and classical…

Presents background information, materials needed, and experimental procedures to study enzymes dependent on pyridine nucleotide coenzymes (NAD/NADH). The experiments, suitable for advanced organic or biochemistry courses, require approximately 10-15 hours to complete. (SK)

Discusses current nutritional trends and the ways our bodies convert foods into chemicals that may affect thought, mood, perception, and behavior. A review of current literature suggests that nutritional deficits and food allergies may adversely alter emotional adjustment. Examines implications for counseling and suggests training and program…

Describes a modified Keller plan for teaching a biochemistry laboratory course and evaluates the method's effectiveness by comparing results of students using Keller plan (N=17) to students receiving traditional instruction (N=16). Results suggest the modified Keller plan is a successful instructional method for the course. (Author/SK)