Deduces the relationship between reduced velocity and molar fractions for productive enzyme complexes; obtains the mathematical expression of molar fractions for an enzyme with two specific binding sites per molecule; and proposes a useful plot to follow the dependence of enzyme molar fractions with the concentration of one of its ligands. (JN)

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…

Presents a BASIC program that can be useful in explaining physicochemical phenomena underlying the generation of membrane potential in excitable cells. Its simplicity allows students to understand the nature of these processes through a direct, hands-on approach. Also, the simulated voltage and concentration kinetics agree well with those…

Asserts that total restructuring of biochemistry courses and methods used for evaluation of student performance are necessary. Evaluation should have a constructive influence by integrating it with other activities. The conduct of the course should be based upon the same objectives that are uses for evaluation. Evaluation should be done by…

Presents an overview of biochemical education for undergraduates and postgraduates at Hanoi University, including courses of instruction and teaching methods. (AIM)

Osmotic aspects of aqueous solutions that are usually disregarded in biochemistry textbooks are presented. This article discusses the osmolarity of seawater, evolution of organisms over geological time, ionic adaptation of cells, ionic concentrations in bacteria, osmolytes and blood electrolytes in water-stressed organisms and land vertebrates,…

The search for the meaning of the word shunt as it is used in the hexose monophosphate shunt system is described. A review of the literature on this pathway is included. (KR)

Presents a case study of a mini-project that was effective in preparing students for their project work, although many felt demoralized by the experience. Identifies a number of factors that might improve the effectiveness of mini-projects. (CCM)

Describes an experiment on the use of problem-based learning. (Author/YDS)

Describes software which demonstrates some features of three-dimensional protein structure on microcomputers. The program only displays the polypeptide backbone drawn through the alpha-carbon positions and is therefore much less sophisticated, but it has been used successfully during lectures on protein structure and as an adjunct to slides and…

Authors describe some clinical features of glycoprotein biochemistry, including recognition, selected blood glycoproteins, glycated proteins, histochemistry, and cancer. The material presented has largely been taught to medical laboratory students; however, it can be used to teach premedical students and pure biochemistry students. Includes two…

Suggests reasons for the lack of change in biochemistry courses and proposes mechanisms to enhance change. Advocates a problem-solving approach using nontraditional questions on examinations. Provides examples of how traditional questions can be rewritten to reflect a problem-solving approach. (PR)

Authors propose a simple and inexpensive activity to provide an exciting source of information about biological processes that occur during eutrophication of lakes and ponds. The observations and interpretations that take place during the eutrophication of the Windogradsky water column constitutes an illustrative approach for understanding…

Provides the results of a project completed by the Educational Affairs Committee of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The goal of committee members was to collect and tabulate information necessary to outline a "typical curriculum" for biochemistry and molecular biology. (ZWH)

Explains the procedures used to determine the regulatory properties of yeast pyruvate kinase. Involves a partial purification using PEG precipitation that can be done in one laboratory period with simple equipment. (DDR)