Describes some recent advances in enzyme structure and action, including a description of enzyme-substrate interaction. Discusses the methods for determination of amino acid sequences in proteins; the actions of chymotrypsin, trypsin, and elastase; and details of the enzyme-substrate complex derived from kinetic studies and x-ray diffraction…

Discusses the molecular basis of cancer, focusing on genetics of the disease. Indicates that human cancers are initiated by oncogenes (altered versions of normal genes) and that in one case the critical alteration is a single point mutation that changes one amino acid in the protein encoded by the gene. (JN)

Presented is an explanation of a non-Darwinian theory of evolution based on the premise that functional differences are the result of many small mutations such as the substitution of one amino acid for another in a large protein molecule. A brief overview of Darwinian evolution and other theories are presented. (EB)

Research projects and methodology in archeochemistry are discussed. Topics include radiocarbon dating, thermoluminescence, amino acid dating, obsidian hydration dating, bone studies, metals/metallurgy, pottery, stone/glass, and future directions. Includes reports on funding, insights into nuclear waste/environmental problems provided by…

Proposes as a unifying theme for high school biology the question of "how chromosomes determine what we are." Describes a sequence of lessons in which students learn about proteins, enzymes, and amino acids. Includes three dry laboratory exercises to demonstrate the DNA sequences for sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. (MDH)

In order for students to understand genetics and evolution, they must first understand the structure of the DNA molecule. The function of DNA proceeds from its unique structure, a structure beautifully adapted for information storage, transcription, translation into amino acid sequences, replication, and time travel. The activity described in this…

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN), "Heterodera glycines" is an obligate plant parasite that can cause devastating crop losses. To aide in the study of this pathogen, the SCN genome and the transcriptome of second stage juveniles and eggs were shotgun sequenced. A bioinformatic screen of the data revealed nine genes involved in the "de novo"…

Describes the design of a biochemistry course that uses problem-based learning. Provides opportunities for students to question, dispute, confirm, and disconfirm their understanding of basic concepts. Emphasizes self-correction through dialogue. Topics covered include amino acids, metabolic pathways and inherited disease, proteins, enzymes and…

Explores possibility of extra-terrestrial life, reviewing current hypotheses regarding where in space life would most likely occur. Discusses astrometry and spectroscopy as methods for determining stellar motions. Describes United States and Soviet projects for receiving stellar communications. Relates origin of life on earth to observed high…

Hypothesized that when relative dietary intake of tryptophan per capita is low compared to other amino acids, less serotonin is formed in brain neurons, and suicide rates tend to be high. Data from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland support the hypothesis for males and for both sexes combined.…

Presents a method that allows students to use their hands to obtain the stereochemistry of chiral centers without redrawing the structure. Discusses the use of the model in: determining the configurations of amino acids, determining if sugars are D or L isomers, the sequence rule procedure, prochirality, naming the sides of trigonal carbons, and…

By shifting pedagogical goals from obtaining successful mutations to teaching students critical troubleshooting skills, it has been possible to introduce site-directed mutagenesis into an undergraduate teaching laboratory. Described in this study is an inexpensive laboratory exercise in which students follow a slightly modified version of…

One of the hottest areas of science today is the field in which biology, information technology,and computer science are merged into a single discipline called bioinformatics. This field enables the discovery and analysis of biological data, including nucleotide and amino acid sequences that are easily accessed through the use of computers. As…

This volume is one of a series for the Chemical Technician Curriculum Project (ChemTeC) of the American Chemical Society funded by the National Science Foundation. It consists of discussions, exercises, and experiments on the following topics: amino acids and proteins, carbohydrates, synthetic polymers, other natural products, chemical separations…

These 41 articles on the topic of alcoholism and nutrition address the following subjects: (1) the effects of alcohol on nutrition and gastrointestinal functions; (2) the effects of alcohol on mineral metabolism; (3) the effects of alcohol on vitamin metabolism; (4) the effects of alcohol on protein and amino acid metabolism; (5) alcohol…