Fluorine, selenium, tin, and arsenic are among the trace elements occurring in the environment which are considered. Emphasis is given to developing a qualitative survey of the extent and kinds of metal transformations and their resultant effects. (CS)

Describes an experiment to characterize the enzyme polyphenol oxidase. Includes Purpose, Reagents and Equipment, Procedure, Extraction, Treatment of Data, and Discussion. (MA)

This study investigated whether blood plasma levels of pro-opiomelanocortin-derived (POMC) peptides, beta-endorphin-like activity, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and adrenal cortisol immediately after self injurious behavior (SIB) episodes predicted subsequent response to an opiate blocker in 10 patients with mental retardation. Results suggest…

Outlines procedures for developing a poster to report scientific findings. Provides details on preparation, organization, sequence, text and type, and explanation. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

Discusses strategies to duplicate current research protocols using biochemical methods of analysis. Describes the use of the Silver Sequence kit that provides a technically simple and relatively inexpensive DNA sequencing exercise. (JRH)

Study of the monocyte phagocytic function in nine competitive athletes before and after a two-week weight reduction (through calorie restriction) program revealed that their pre-program phagocytic activity was higher than in sedentary controls but decreased significantly after the program. This suggests calorie restriction may affect the human…

Outlines the chemistry of the rapid synthesis of relatively large DNA fragments (100-200 monomers each) with yields exceeding 99 percent per coupling. DNA synthesis methodologies are outlined and a polymer-supported synthesis of DNA using deoxynucleoside phosphoramidites is described with structural formulas. (YP)

Reports on one drug which is already in clinical use and the possibility of designing others that interrupt specific phases of the life cycle of the virus. Uses a chart, pictures, and diagrams to accompany explanations. (RT)

While other lab exercises allow the student to isolate and study one component of the cell, the purpose of this lab is to break down the cell into several components and perform simultaneous assays to determine the constituents. Centrifugation is used as a separation technique. Provides procedure and expected results. (LZ)

Describes a simple method to enhance the teaching of protein structures and function by analyzing amino acid sequences using word processing programs. (ZWH)

Describes a study involving 86 fifth-grade science students to enhance their understandings of basic biological chemistry. Contains a lesson that allows students to build models of atoms and molecules. (ZWH)

Presents two alternative teaching approaches to ensure that students become active participants of learning in the biochemistry classroom. Diagrams and rules are provided for using educational playing cards and creating a biochemical comic book. (ZWH)

Described is the use of fluorometry in an experiment where the fluorescence of riboflavin is specifically quenched when titrated with riboflavin-binding protein. The amount of riboflavin, required by all organisms, in an unknown solution and the dissociation constant of the vitamin-protein complex can be determined using this method. (KR)

Describes current and cutting-edge research on proteins that may spark the interest of biology students. Contains 27 references. (WRM)