Presented is a brief review of the biochemistry and chemistry of nitrogen fixation. (BB)

Molecular models are described which are suitable for illustrating the nucleic acids. The same principles used to construct these could be applied to models of polypeptides. (BB)

Discusses the biochemical mechanisms related to photosynthesis. Describes a water-oxidizing clock generating a molecule of oxygen with every four ticks. Lists four references. (YP)

Describes an exercise that allows the measurement of the sizes of biological samples by means of the diffraction of light. (JRH)

The accuracy of diagnosing hypothyroidism in 160 adults with Down syndrome was examined. A significant association between a clinical diagnosis of hypothyroidism and increasing age was found but no significant association was found between a clinical and a biochemical diagnosis. Regular biochemical screening is recommended. (Author/SW)

Traces the history of Thailand's biochemical education from its initial evolution from medicine to modern day. Discusses the following aspects of Thailand's modern biochemical education: biochemistry teaching at Thai schools, university departments and biochemistry courses, textbooks, degree programs, interplay between research and teaching, and…

This study of 47 families of autistic probands found that whole blood serotonin was positively correlated between autistic children and their mothers, fathers, and siblings, but plasma norepinephrine levels were not. (Author/JDD)

This study of eight growth-retarded children with Down's syndrome (aged 1 to 6.5 years) found that administration of growth hormone was more effective than either L-dopa or clonidine. Results suggest that children with Down's syndrome have both anatomical and biochemical hypothalamic derangements resulting in decreased growth hormone secretion and…

Reviews the biological importance of the lipids categorized as waxes and describes some of the organic chemistry of these compounds. Presents a short laboratory exercise on the extraction of plant waxes and their analysis by thin layer chromatography. (Author/CCM)

Describes the successful use of giving examples of genes affecting various steps in biochemical pathways to teach gene interaction. Finds that once students grasp the notion that genes can interact because they control different steps within biochemical pathways, the reason why phenotypic ratios appear to be non-Mendelian becomes more obvious and…

Argues that biologists' understanding of the cell has become richer over the past 30 years. Describes how genetic engineering and sophisticated computer technology have provided an increased knowledge of genes, gene products, components of cells, and the structure and function of proteins. (CCM)

Recommends the use of ethical issues to engage college nonscience majors in discussion. Focuses on using problems that pertain to biomedical situations and decisions such as transferring living parts from one type of organism into another. (DDR)

Proposes models for the lichen symbiosis, genomic, and plasmid DNA and fluid mosaic membrane structure. The models operate at the classroom level with the classroom becoming the cell in a DNA exercise with students as interactive components. (DDR)

Speculates as to how understanding of heart disease has developed and provides insight into how medical science makes progress. Summarizes the state of knowledge on arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and exercising the heart. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

The volume of data available through literature and databases on the internet is valuable to students as resources. Describes an integrated approach that involves the use of the library, literature, and internet databases. (Author/SAH)