The central role of RNA in many cellular processes, in biotechnology, and as pharmaceutical agents, has created an interest in experimental methods applied to RNA molecules. This book provides scientists with a comprehensive collection of thoroughly tested up-to-date manuals for investigating RNA-protein complexes "in vitro." The protocols can be performed by researchers trained in standard molecular biological techniques and require a minimum of specialized equipment. The procedures include recommendation of suppliers of reagents.

This comprehensive reference illustrates optimal preparation methods in biological electron microscopy compared with common methodological problems. Not only will the basic methodologies of transmission electron microscopy like fixation, microtomy, and microscopy be presented, but the authors also endeavor to illustrate more specialized techniques such as negative staining, autoradiography, cytochemistry, immunoelectron microscopy, and computer-assisted image analysis.
Key Features
* Authored by the key leaders in the biological electron microscopy field
* Illustrates both optimal and suboptimal or artifactual results in a variety of electron microscopy disciplines
* Introduces students on how to read and interpret electron micrographs

It is now clear from a wide range of research that cytoplasm is not merely a buffered solution of proteins and enzymes but contains a series of complex filamentous structures. The cytoskeleton is the collective term given to these filaments. There is a considerable amount of data available on the protein composition of the major filament systems (microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments) but we are still comparatively ignorant about the role of the cytoskeleton in cell physiology. However such major cytoplasmic components (actin and tubulin, the monomeric constituents of microfilaments and microtubules, are major cell proteins) must have important roles to play in cell function, and investigations into the functional role of the cytoskeleton currently represent a major area of cell biological research.
In recent years rapid advances in molecular biology have begun to influence research on the cytoskeleton. This trend is sure to continue and the techniques of molecular biology and genetics are set to make major contributions to our understanding of the cytoskeleton, as illustrated in this volume by several reviews; the use of transfection techniques by Ben-Ze'ev, the power of Drosophila genetics is described by Fyrberg and the major advances made in the inesin field using molecular approaches as described by Cyr et al. The chapters by Fyrberg and Cyr et al. also illustrate two other areas where major advances in our understanding of the cytoskeleton is occuring; the great array of different motor proteins involved in intracellular movements and the study of the cytoskeleton in developmental biology.
Overall, Volume 12 in this series illuminates our increasing knowledge of the important roles of the cytoskeleton in cell function, particularly how it is central to metabolic organization, intracellular transport, interactions with matrix, and nerve function. Our knowledge of the cytoskeleton is now reaching a stage where it is clear that abnormalities in the organization of the cytoskeleton can lead to important clinical manifestations of disease; an example of how such research is now impinging on medical science is presented in the final chapter by Lane on keratin diseases.

The bioseparation engineering of today includes downstream process engineering such as waste water, material and gas treatment. Taking this tendency into account, bioseparation engineers gathered in Japan as a special research group under the main theme of "Recovery and Recycle of Resources to Protect the Global Environment."

The scope of this book is based on the conference, and deals not only with recent advances in bioseparation engineering in a narrow sence, but also the environmental engineering which includes waste water treatment and bioremediation. The contributors of this book cover many disciplines such as chemical engineering, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology.

"Bioseparation Engineering" will stimulate young engineers and scientists who will develop bioseparation engineering further in the 21st century, and contribute to a world-wide attention to the global environment

The elucidation during the latter half of the 20th century of the mechanisms by which information flows from nucleic acids to proteins has completely changed the face of biological research. Many diseases are caused by abnormalities in control mechanisms which are not immediately essential for life itself but which maintain the normal social behavior of differentiated cells in multicellular organisms. The complex sugar chains of glycoproteins and glycolipids are believed to play important roles in the control of cellular functions and in recognition between the cell and its cellular and fluid environment. Investigations into the abnormalities of complex sugar chain assembly are expected to yield an important new underatanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of human diseases. This volume discusses several representative diseases which emphasize the current status of glycopathology, and will stimulate further research in this exciting field.

This publication contains full papers of both oral and poster presentations of the symposium "Immobilized Cells: Basics and Applications" that was held in Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands, 26-29 November 1995. This volume covers recent developments in the field of immobilization e.g.: new support materials, characterization of support materials, kinetic characterizations, dynamic modelling, bioreactor types, scale up and applications are also given. Applications in the field of medicine, fermentation technology, food technology and environmental technology are described. Guidelines for research with immobilized cells. Based on the scientific sessions a strategy of research and methods for characterization of immobilized cells, especially in view of applications are given.

The goal was to relate basic research to applications and to extract guidelines for characterization of immobilized cells in view of process design and application from the contributions. The manuscripts presented in these proceedings give an extensive and recent overview of the research and applications of immobilized-cell technology.

A timely book for DNA researchers, Automated DNA Sequencing and Analysis reviews and assesses the state of the art of automated DNA sequence analysis-from the construction of clone libraries to the developmentof laboratory and community databases. It presents the methodologies and strategies of automated DNA sequence analysis in a way that allows them to be compared and contrasted. By taking a broad view of the process of automated sequence analysis, the present volume bridges the gap between the protocols supplied with instrument and reaction kits and the finalized data presented in the research literature. It will be an invaluable aid to both small laboratories that are interested in taking maximum advantageof automated sequence resources and to groups pursuing large-scale cDNA and genomic sequencing projects.
* The field of automation in DAN sequencing and analysis is rapidly moving. Hovever, as the technology becomes commonplace, those applying the techniques involved to their research fields need a text which both expands on the protocols supplied by manufacturers with their instruments and explains how to utilise the data produced. This book fulfils those needs, reviews the history of the art and provides pointers to future development.

The editors invited selected authors who had participated in or observed developments in biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in the second half of this century, to record their personal recollections of the times and circumstances in which they worked. Having been given free reign, both content and style of the contruibutions reflect the flavour of the personality of the author.

The book reflects the explosive development of biochemistry and molecular biology and related sciences that had led to the almost unique situation of these fields coming of age at a time when their founding fathers, or their scientific children, were alive and well.

The contributions in this volume encompass a wide variety of experiences in many different countries and in very different fields of biochemistry.

This is the first in a series of volumes concerning the properties of the eukaryotic nucleus. Contributions from several of the most active laboratories are brought together to present a focused overview of a selected aspect of nuclear structure and function.

The series "Advances in Dendritic Macromolecules" aims to cover the synthetic, as well as chemical, aspects of this expanding field: the chemistry to and supramolecular chemistry of dendritic or cascade supermolecular compounds. In Chapter 1 of this volume, Hawker and Wooley delineate the convergent growth approach to dendrimers, then relate their three-dimensional architectures to different block polymers. In Chapter 2, Moors and Vogtle describe Professor Vogtle's initial cascade molecules via the repetitive strategy, then expand his original concepts of its application by others, and lastly delineate the synthesis of a new series of tosylamide cascades. They also demonstrate the utility of his original Michael addition/reduction procedure by its application to differ cores. Chapter 3, composed by Professor Engel, describes ionic dendrimers which incorporated an internal transition metal center as well as his work based on ammonium and phosphonium centers. In Chapter 4, Mathias and Carothers review recent studies on silicon-based dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers. Chapter 5, by Kim, describes the preparation and utility of hyperbranched aromatic polymers. Lastly in Chapter 6, Escamilla reviews the historical as well as recent examples of ionic and nonionic bolaamphiphiles.

The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection by R.A. Fisher (1930) dictated that sexual dimorphisms may depend upon a single medelian factor. This could be true for some species but his suggestion could not take off the ground as gender in Drosophila is determined by the number of X chromosomes. Technical advances in molecular biology have revived the initial thinking of Fisher and dictate that TDF or SRY genes in humans or Tdy in mice are sex determining genes. The fortuitous findings of XX males and XY female, which are generally termed sex reversal phenomenon, are quite bewildering traits that have caused much amazement concerning the pairing mechanism(s) of the pseudoautosomal regions of human X and Y chromosomes at meiosis. These findings have opened new avenues to explore further the genetic basis of sex determination at the single gene level.
The aim of the fourth volume, titled Genetics of Sex Determination is to reflect on the latest advances and future investigative directions, encompassing 10 chapters. Commissioned several distinguished scientists, all pre-eminent authorities in each field to shed their thoughts concisely but epitomise their chapters with an extended bibliography. Obviously, during the past 60 years, the metoric advances are voluminous and to cover every account of genes, chromosomes, and sex in a single volume format would be a herculean task. Therefore, a few specific topics are chosen, which may be of great interest to scientists and clinicians. The seasoned scientists who love to inquire about the role of genes in sex determination should find the original work of these notable contributors very enlightening. This volume is intended for advanced students who want to keep abreast as well as for those who indulge in the search for genes of sex determination.

Lipobiology is an interdisciplinary field which incorporates critical aspects of lipid and lipoprotein chemistry into the disciplines of cell biology and physiology. During the last decade, advances in our understanding of the structure and function of lipids, biological membranes and lipid-derived second messengers have underscored the importance of lipids in the regulation of cellular function. This series focuses on salient aspects of the role of lipids in metabolic regulation and cellular activation, with emphasis on emerging concepts and technologies. One goal of this series is to formulate cohesive criteria upon which a foundation for the evaluation of recent work can be based and future directions of research identified.

After a decade of dominance by recombinant DNA technology, the field of molecular and cell biology is witnessing a renewed interest in techniques and approaches that are not driven by DNA acrobatics. In hindsight, this is an inevitable outcome. Deoxyribonucleic acid is not the master; it is only a storage house. If one wishes to know how cells work, the secret is not to be found in DNA, but rather in everything outside DNA. Science based on DNA is useful but does not itself solve the problem. It is most fortunate that at the height of the DNA phenomenon, there remain scientists who continue to probe cells by non-DNA means. Suddenly, people with such expertise are in high demand.
In this volume, some truly original scientists take the time to tell us their stories of innovations-some almost iconoclastic. All of these researchers have pioneered approaches that were long neglected; moreover, each is now in the fruitful phase of great harvests. It is a wonderful lesson for graduate students and postdoctorates that, although not being in the pack might be risky, the reward of such work is sweeter. As in physics, biology needs more young people who think like Richard Feynman - the ultimate iconoclast.
On the surface, the eight chapters of this volume appear to be diverse, but they are not. If our purpose is to understand cells, we must stop the habit of constantly dissecting leaves. Once in a while we have to see which forest we are in. The contributions included herein cannot cover the whole cell, but they give a sufficient flavor to arouse a desire to think more globally about cells. At a time when our field is in danger of being buried by thousands of kinases and phosphatases, these chapters inform our intended audiences that there are other ways - other techniques, other approaches, other thinkings, and other stories. We need all of them to appreciate the holistic aspect of cells, which has been a taboo until now.

This series presents reviews covering all aspects of haemodynamics and haemorheology. Topics covered include the complexities of microcirculation, the rheology of blood and blood vessels, and the mechanics of blood flow in arteries and veins. The contributions aim to reflect the advances being made in experimental techniques and instrumentation for laboratory and clinical measurements and in numerical and mathematical modelling. Emphasis is placed on the scientific and engineering principles involved, but particular attention is also given to the clinical significance of this area of research. Topics covered by this volume include viscoelastic properties of blood and blood analogues; blood flow through narrow tubes; and numerical modelling of blood flow.

The eighth volume of this series comprises six chapters and describes a variety of interesting strained and not so strained molecules and their use - or abuse - in the widest sense. This volume contains a position summary of planar carbon networks, the field of strained allenesis addressed by considering the five- to- nine-membered ring derivatives and this is followed by an introduction to the nature of carbene geometry and the use of ESR spectroscopy in deducing carbene structure. The use of strained molecules in the synthesis of important new compounds of a natural and non-natural nature is a main theme in the volume. Other areas that are discussed are strained carbohydrates, stereocontrolled access to natural products and polymer systems as well as a much sought after contribution to the series on small-ring nitrogen heterocycles.

This book is the latest volume in the highly successful series "Comprehensive Biochemistry." It provides a historical and autobiographical perspective of the developments in the field through the contributions of leading individuals who reflect on their careers and their impact on biochemistry. Volume 46 is essential reading for everyone from graduate student to professor, placing in context major advances not only in biochemical terms but in relation to historical and social developments. Readers will be delighted by the lively style and the insight into the lives and careers of leading scientists of their time.
* Contributors are distinguished scientists in the field
* Unique series of personal recollections
* Presents scientific research in a historical perspective

This volume presents work from six different groups working on various aspects of cycloaddition chemistry. Jose Mascarenas gives us a very interesting account of the chemistry of &Bgr;-alkoxy-&ggr;-pyrones and related species. Al Padwa and Chris Staub discuss further advances in rhodium carbenoid chemistry and the unusual cycloaddition processes possible with these intermediates. Higher order cycloadditions mediated by transition metals highlight Jim Rigby's update on his group's efforts in this area. Lily Lee and John Snyder present us with a detailed account of the indole ring as a dienophile, challenging us to consider the untapped potential in this area. Brian Keay and Ian Hunt discuss the intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions of furan; a report that is both top-notch science, and what could be a great learning tool for students who need to see how fundamental chemical principles can and should be applied to synthetic problems. Finally, Kay Brummond introduces us to a new version of the Pauson-Khand reactions, one that will no doubt be further exploited in productive ways by her group well into the future.

The first volume in a series which aims to focus on advances in computational biology. This volume discusses such topics as: fluctuations in the shape of flexible macromolecules; the hydration of carbohydrates as seen by computer simulation; and studies of salt-peptide solutions.

The aim of this text is to provide reviews and monographs on topics involving molecular similarity, ranging from the fundamental physical properties underlying molecular behaviour to applications in industrially important fields such as pharmaceutical drug design and molecular engineering. The editors hope that this series will encourage new ideas and approaches, help to systematize the rapidly accumulating new chemical information, and make chemistry better understood and better applied.

Membranes are highly dynamic and operate not only as inert boundaries, but the packages they carry around in a cell are well addressed fro appropriate delivery. This holds for a variety of endomembrane systems engaged in exo- and endocytosis, for organelles along the biosynthetic pathway, phagosomes, and lysosomes. It also holds for the establishment of functional surface properties. Cell pairing (conjugation) phenomena are a good model for the problem of how a cell can discriminate between "self" and "non-self." On the other hand parasitic sporozoa developed to experts in masking their molecular sur-"face"by frequent shedding of their variant antigens.
The discovery of their glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor has led to the discovery, in polar epithelial cells, of a specific targeting mechanism for GPI-anchored surface glycoproteins. Over one hundred such proteins have been detected in metazoans since then.
Many of these basic aspects are dealt with in this book using quite different methodical approaches. Of course, there are many more aspects previously known from metazoan systems and such aspects then had to be verified also for Protozoa systems and such aspects then had to be verified also for protozoa. In this context, it is fascinating to see how basic cellular functions are maintained - with variations of the basic theme - throughout evolution.
However, sometimes cell biologists dedicated to work with protozoa have to live with a regrettable phenomenon. Colleagues working with "higher" eukaryotic cells are frequently unaware of the fact that the primary input may have come from work with protozoa. Some phenomena may even be rediscovered inadvertently. In this sense, this book should address not only colleagues working with protozoa but also many of our fellow cell biologists working with metazoan cells.

The incentive for putting together Volume 4 of this series was to review the wealth of new information that has become available in prokaryotic organisms in protein export and membrane biogenesis. Just in the last several years, protein translocation has now been efficiently reconstituted using defined components and the mechanism by which proteins are moved across membrane bilayers is now being examined at a higher resolution. In addition, because of a new technical breakthrough using osmolytes, it is now possible to reconstitute a number of channel proteins, ATPase, receptors, and transporters. In many cases, it is possible to successfully predict the membrane topology of these types of proteins using both "hydrophobicity analysis" and the "positive inside" rule.
In this volume, two chapters focus on protein translocation across membranes ("Biochemical Analyses of Components Comprising the Protein Translocation Machinery of E. Coli; Protein Translocation Genetics"), while several others on how proteins assemble into the ineer membrane of E. Coli ("Membrane Protein Assembly; Membrane Insertion of Small Proteins: Evolutionary and Functional Aspects; Pigment-Protein Complex Assembly in Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Rhodobacter Capsulatus"). Other sections review recent progress on transporters ("Identification and Reconstitution of Anion Exchange Mechanisms in Bacteria; Helic Packing in the C-Terminal Half of Lactose Permease") and signal transduction ("Mechanism of Transmembrane Signaling in Osmoregulation") as well as the assembly of prints into the outer membrane ("Export and Assembly of Outer Membrane Proteins in E. coli"). Although the emphasis of the book is on proteins, the role of phospholipids in controlling various cell surface processes is reviewed ("Role of Phospholipids in coli Cell Function"). I should point out the reason for the rapid progress in bacteria research is because of the possibility to apply biochemistry and genetics in this organism.

Ageing is of perennial interest as a universal feature in all human societies. The genetic background and biochemical bases of ageing processes are currently being revealed in unprecedented detail. It is emerging that one of the main hurdles to be overcome in achieving a long and healthy lifespan is the maintenance of a properly functioning immune system. The main cause of death in people who have achieved "successful ageing" (which mostly means not having succumbed to cancer or cardiovascular disease) is infectious disease, caused by immunosenescence. This book contains chapters by many of the leaders in the field of immune-related issues in ageing and remediation.

This volume deals with some of the multiple systems that growth factors and cytokines affect. The role of growth factors and cytokines on foetal development, in the immune and haemopoietic systems as well as in the skeletal and reproductive systems are covered. Various cancers are examined in a number of the chapters. This is the third and concluding volume of the treatise on growth factors and cytokines in health and disease.

Immunoassay procedures (isotopic and non-isotopic) have become one of the single most important techniques in present-day diagnostic medicine. This book is designed as an introductory test for the staff of clinical research laboratories who conduct or intend to conduct such techniques, and will be of great value to the clinicians who make use of such services. The volume takes a three-pronged approach in it's in-depth presentation: explanation of the basic principles and applications of radioimmunoassays and non-isotopic immunoassays; practical illustrations of the various steps involved in immunoassays; discussion of the problems and pitfalls in immunoassays and how to avoid them. This fifth revised edition is a worthy successor to it's predecessors in this famous "Laboratory Techniques" series.