- Email: [email protected]
Carolina Biology Readers No. 25: Gene Expression During Cell Development
96
Carolina Biology Readers No 16: The Nucleolus by E G Jordan. pp 16. 1978.80p
ISBN 0-892-78216-1
No 25: Gene Expression During Cell Development b y J B Gurdon. pp 32. 1978. fd.35
ISBN 0-892-78225-0
No 96: The Reproduction of Eukaryotic Cells by D M Prescott. pp 16. 1978.80p
ISBN 0-892-78296-X
Published by Carolina Biological Supply Co and distributed by Packard Publishing Ltd, Chichester, Sussex These three booklets form part of a series edited by J J Head. Each is written by someone pre-eminent in the field and the series as a whole gives a succinct, yet comprehensive and readable introduction to molecular biology and genetics. I think three types of reader will find the series particularly useful: undergraduates, non-specialist postgraduates and school teachers. Each is complete and comprehensible in itself, covers a very wide range of concepts and techniques and is lavishly illustrated with simple yet lucid diagrams or good quality half-tone pictures. A few well-chosen references to more detailed reviews or key original papers leads the interested reader on while copious cross-referencing to companion booklets gives the series an over-all unity. Nevertheless be warned: this is not a cheap way of buying a complete textbook; judicious choice is required. In Gene Expression During Cell Development, John Gurdon sets out to explain how cells derived from a single fertilized egg differentiate into morphologically- and functionally-different cell types characteristic of a multicellular organism. He first describes experiments to show that all differentiated cells retain the same genetic information. These include the nuclear transplantation experiments in Xenopus for which he is worldfamous. He then goes on to show that gene amplification does not occur in specialized cells but that specific parts of the genome are expressed to different extents. He then considers the level(s) at which this expression is controlled I DNA transcription, mRNA translation, or post-translational protein modification. Final sections deal with the nature and action of possible gene-controlling substances. The booklet thus covers techniques of nucleic acid hybridization, nuclear transplantation, mRNA injection and cell-free translation systems, cell fusion, RNA polymerases, and maternal effect mutations. The other two titles are somewhat shorter but maintain this excellent standard. Prescott's otherwise superb account of Reproduction in Eukaryotic Cells suffers from the omission of the Smith-Martin transition probability theory for the cell cycle. Areas covered include the conventional view of the cell cycle and how the duration and position of its components are determined, methods of synchrony, contact inhibition, concept of Go and cancer and cell transformation. The autoradiographs are particularly good. The Nucleolus by E G Jordan might seem rather specialized, but since the nucleolus is the site of ribosomal-RNA synthesis, this booklet actually covers many vital areas such as ribosome synthesis, structure and function. Techniques discussed include nucleic acid hybridization, nucleic acid spreading for electron microscopy, and a particularly good account of Miller's technique for visualizing ribosomal genes 'in action' synthesizing mRNA. This and Gurdon's work, suffer from lack of treatment of newly emerging aspects of molecular biology such as intervening sequences and RNA splicing. For basic background experiments which constitute the bed-rock of the subject, however, these booklets are to be thoroughly recommended. SJ Higgins
No 19: The Energetics of Mitochondria b y J B Chappell. pp 32. 1979. £1.35
ISBN 0-89278-219-6
The advantage of these short monographs over conventional textbooks is their flexibility in adapting to advances within a field. In this revised edition, Professor Chappell exploits the flexibility admirably, bringing in new thought on proton pumping and ATP synthesis, besides covering 'classical mitochondriology' with precision (necessary in such a small space) and flair. It is frustrating, therefore, that the references quoted are so limited - - three of the seven, indeed, leading only to standard texts on biochemistry, which deal with this area in less detail than the monograph itself. In addition there are, of course, some minor irritations as to organization. The space devoted to water structure seems somewhat out of context, and might have been better devoted to a clearer explanation of energy-dependent 'Era' values. There is a half-page diagram of the Q cycle
BIOCHEMICAL EDUCATION
8(3)
1980
which is barely discussed in the text. And finally, 'Fo' is here used in a most unorthodox manner I to denote the single, water soluble protein OSCP, while in the literature it is normally taken as the multimeric, detergentsoluble, membrane portion of the ATPase complex On the whole, however, this is a clear and interesting presentation - - a useful supplement to coverage of this area in the standard texts. D A Harris
The Enzyme Game (Basic Biology Course Unit 3, Regulation within Cells) by D Peacockand M Tribe. Cambridge University Press. 1979. L15 ISBN 0-521-21881-0 The novel presentation of this 'game' led the reviewer to feel it worthwhile to record his observations as he made them. The Enzyme Game comes as a collection of booklets and cards, all contained in a ring-file. These comprise a booklet, 'Tutor' s Guide' : six booklets, 'Students' Guide'; six booklets, 'Synopsis of Useful Techniques'; and several vouchers for 'Research Grants' of varying duration. The title page then follows, and the rest of the file is a nmnbered sequence of cards, starting with six identical student handouts ('Previously Published Information' ), a 'group-activity profile' card, an index of the cards following, and then some fifty cards ('Data Bank') containing different experimental findings on the enzyme, from kinetics and specificity studies to the 0.2 mn resolution map from X-ray diffraction studies of the crystal. The Tutor' s Guide reveals that the authors have nm their game as part of the Inter University Biology Teaching Project at Sussex University and as part of a 2nd-year biochemistry course at Leicester University. 'Synopsis of Useful Techniques' refers the reader to 'Enzymes, Basic Biology Course, Book 7' (CUP, 1976) which is not included in the Enzyme Game. The Tutor' s Guide gives information on running the game, followed by notes on carboxypeptidase, for this is the enzyme, whose identity however is to be kept from the students. The game takes from six to nine hours of students' time. Students decide what information is needed and what experiments to do in order to establish the mechanism of action of the enzyme. They spend their research grant allocation on the acquisition of data and they may 'publish' papers that automatically win them more research grant time. The tutors act as suppliers of data cards from the data bank, in response to well-defined requests. These cards 'cost' so much research grant and summarize the data that could have been obtained by spending that amount of grant over the period specified. (It was not clear, since there is only one set of cards, what would happen if two research groups asked for the same data.) The tutors also act as referees of papers for 'publication' and a~ the research council, giving out further research grants after the initial allocation is used up, based on an 'annual report', which a group must produce after each session. This exercise, as far as can be judged by the mere reading of it, look, capable of simulating the mechanics of research work, ie the social skills ot team work, publishing, and grant applications, but as the authors agre~~, i~ no substitute for learning science by actually doing the experiments They believe the game can bring to the fore some of the attitudes and practice, 'currently hindering real-life research', and hope that this may lead t . changes that will be beneficial to all. One is left not feeling very sure of tht. scientific value of this publication in a teaching context, but at least it ha, given food for thought about whether coping with research life ought t~,: perhaps to be part of every undergraduate curriculum. Finally, post scripture, the reviewer has heard in terms of great enthusiasm from a colleague at an Irish university who has played the game with finalyear honours biochemistry students. I) G H~'rrh:~
An Atlas of Spectral Interferences in ICP Spectroscopy by M L Parsons, A Foster and D Anderson. pp 644. Plenum Press, N e w York and London. 1980. $59.50 ISBN 0-306-40334-X This volume is intended to provide the practicing inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopist with the information necessary to determine if a specific system will be sut~ject to interferences. The tables will be an aid in the choice of analysis line, the prevention of errors due to spectral overlap, and the identification of sources of stray radiation.
Carolina Biology Readers No 16: The Nucleolus by E G Jordan. pp 16. 1978.80p
ISBN 0-892-78216-1
No 25: Gene Expression During Cell Development b y J B Gurdon. pp 32. 1978. fd.35
ISBN 0-892-78225-0
No 96: The Reproduction of Eukaryotic Cells by D M Prescott. pp 16. 1978.80p
ISBN 0-892-78296-X
Published by Carolina Biological Supply Co and distributed by Packard Publishing Ltd, Chichester, Sussex These three booklets form part of a series edited by J J Head. Each is written by someone pre-eminent in the field and the series as a whole gives a succinct, yet comprehensive and readable introduction to molecular biology and genetics. I think three types of reader will find the series particularly useful: undergraduates, non-specialist postgraduates and school teachers. Each is complete and comprehensible in itself, covers a very wide range of concepts and techniques and is lavishly illustrated with simple yet lucid diagrams or good quality half-tone pictures. A few well-chosen references to more detailed reviews or key original papers leads the interested reader on while copious cross-referencing to companion booklets gives the series an over-all unity. Nevertheless be warned: this is not a cheap way of buying a complete textbook; judicious choice is required. In Gene Expression During Cell Development, John Gurdon sets out to explain how cells derived from a single fertilized egg differentiate into morphologically- and functionally-different cell types characteristic of a multicellular organism. He first describes experiments to show that all differentiated cells retain the same genetic information. These include the nuclear transplantation experiments in Xenopus for which he is worldfamous. He then goes on to show that gene amplification does not occur in specialized cells but that specific parts of the genome are expressed to different extents. He then considers the level(s) at which this expression is controlled I DNA transcription, mRNA translation, or post-translational protein modification. Final sections deal with the nature and action of possible gene-controlling substances. The booklet thus covers techniques of nucleic acid hybridization, nuclear transplantation, mRNA injection and cell-free translation systems, cell fusion, RNA polymerases, and maternal effect mutations. The other two titles are somewhat shorter but maintain this excellent standard. Prescott's otherwise superb account of Reproduction in Eukaryotic Cells suffers from the omission of the Smith-Martin transition probability theory for the cell cycle. Areas covered include the conventional view of the cell cycle and how the duration and position of its components are determined, methods of synchrony, contact inhibition, concept of Go and cancer and cell transformation. The autoradiographs are particularly good. The Nucleolus by E G Jordan might seem rather specialized, but since the nucleolus is the site of ribosomal-RNA synthesis, this booklet actually covers many vital areas such as ribosome synthesis, structure and function. Techniques discussed include nucleic acid hybridization, nucleic acid spreading for electron microscopy, and a particularly good account of Miller's technique for visualizing ribosomal genes 'in action' synthesizing mRNA. This and Gurdon's work, suffer from lack of treatment of newly emerging aspects of molecular biology such as intervening sequences and RNA splicing. For basic background experiments which constitute the bed-rock of the subject, however, these booklets are to be thoroughly recommended. SJ Higgins
No 19: The Energetics of Mitochondria b y J B Chappell. pp 32. 1979. £1.35
ISBN 0-89278-219-6
The advantage of these short monographs over conventional textbooks is their flexibility in adapting to advances within a field. In this revised edition, Professor Chappell exploits the flexibility admirably, bringing in new thought on proton pumping and ATP synthesis, besides covering 'classical mitochondriology' with precision (necessary in such a small space) and flair. It is frustrating, therefore, that the references quoted are so limited - - three of the seven, indeed, leading only to standard texts on biochemistry, which deal with this area in less detail than the monograph itself. In addition there are, of course, some minor irritations as to organization. The space devoted to water structure seems somewhat out of context, and might have been better devoted to a clearer explanation of energy-dependent 'Era' values. There is a half-page diagram of the Q cycle
BIOCHEMICAL EDUCATION
8(3)
1980
which is barely discussed in the text. And finally, 'Fo' is here used in a most unorthodox manner I to denote the single, water soluble protein OSCP, while in the literature it is normally taken as the multimeric, detergentsoluble, membrane portion of the ATPase complex On the whole, however, this is a clear and interesting presentation - - a useful supplement to coverage of this area in the standard texts. D A Harris
The Enzyme Game (Basic Biology Course Unit 3, Regulation within Cells) by D Peacockand M Tribe. Cambridge University Press. 1979. L15 ISBN 0-521-21881-0 The novel presentation of this 'game' led the reviewer to feel it worthwhile to record his observations as he made them. The Enzyme Game comes as a collection of booklets and cards, all contained in a ring-file. These comprise a booklet, 'Tutor' s Guide' : six booklets, 'Students' Guide'; six booklets, 'Synopsis of Useful Techniques'; and several vouchers for 'Research Grants' of varying duration. The title page then follows, and the rest of the file is a nmnbered sequence of cards, starting with six identical student handouts ('Previously Published Information' ), a 'group-activity profile' card, an index of the cards following, and then some fifty cards ('Data Bank') containing different experimental findings on the enzyme, from kinetics and specificity studies to the 0.2 mn resolution map from X-ray diffraction studies of the crystal. The Tutor' s Guide reveals that the authors have nm their game as part of the Inter University Biology Teaching Project at Sussex University and as part of a 2nd-year biochemistry course at Leicester University. 'Synopsis of Useful Techniques' refers the reader to 'Enzymes, Basic Biology Course, Book 7' (CUP, 1976) which is not included in the Enzyme Game. The Tutor' s Guide gives information on running the game, followed by notes on carboxypeptidase, for this is the enzyme, whose identity however is to be kept from the students. The game takes from six to nine hours of students' time. Students decide what information is needed and what experiments to do in order to establish the mechanism of action of the enzyme. They spend their research grant allocation on the acquisition of data and they may 'publish' papers that automatically win them more research grant time. The tutors act as suppliers of data cards from the data bank, in response to well-defined requests. These cards 'cost' so much research grant and summarize the data that could have been obtained by spending that amount of grant over the period specified. (It was not clear, since there is only one set of cards, what would happen if two research groups asked for the same data.) The tutors also act as referees of papers for 'publication' and a~ the research council, giving out further research grants after the initial allocation is used up, based on an 'annual report', which a group must produce after each session. This exercise, as far as can be judged by the mere reading of it, look, capable of simulating the mechanics of research work, ie the social skills ot team work, publishing, and grant applications, but as the authors agre~~, i~ no substitute for learning science by actually doing the experiments They believe the game can bring to the fore some of the attitudes and practice, 'currently hindering real-life research', and hope that this may lead t . changes that will be beneficial to all. One is left not feeling very sure of tht. scientific value of this publication in a teaching context, but at least it ha, given food for thought about whether coping with research life ought t~,: perhaps to be part of every undergraduate curriculum. Finally, post scripture, the reviewer has heard in terms of great enthusiasm from a colleague at an Irish university who has played the game with finalyear honours biochemistry students. I) G H~'rrh:~
An Atlas of Spectral Interferences in ICP Spectroscopy by M L Parsons, A Foster and D Anderson. pp 644. Plenum Press, N e w York and London. 1980. $59.50 ISBN 0-306-40334-X This volume is intended to provide the practicing inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopist with the information necessary to determine if a specific system will be sut~ject to interferences. The tables will be an aid in the choice of analysis line, the prevention of errors due to spectral overlap, and the identification of sources of stray radiation.