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Lipid Metabolism Part 4: Synthesis
32
BIOCHEMICAL EDUCATION
The Biochemistry of Connective Tissue V i d e o cassette. 1976. 44 m i n s . , colour. Phillips V C R or Sony U - m a t i c . V i d e o t a p e reel I V C 1 in. o r A m p e x 1 in. or Sony CV ½ in. or Sony A V ½ in. Hire f r o m University of L o n d o n A u d i o visual c e n t r e (Ms. P. Gulliford), 11 B e d f o r d Square, London, WC1B 3RA, U.K. This videotape, like that on the Microbioassay of Hormones, constituted a lecture in the University of London series entitled 'Scientific Basis of Medicine'. Only an extract was screened and although the tape is in colour, the performance was in black and white. The lecture is given by Dr. Helen Muir of the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, and begins by briefly summarising the proportions of collagen and proteoglycans in various tissues, followed by a brief mention of the four types of collagen. She defines the role of cartilage as not only in reducing friction, but also in distributing stress over a wider area of bone. She shows how collagen forms a network filled with entrapped proteoglycan molecules; the mesh is random but becomes orientated on loading. Cartilage is 70% water and the proteoglycan resists movement of this water when loaded. There is a good correlation between proteoglycan content and compressive stiffness whilst collagen content correlates with tensile stiffness. The molecular structure of proteoglycans is also described. Despite the title and the high standing of the lecturer, the overall performance was a little disappointing. A prior detailed understanding of the biochemistry of connective tissue macromolecules is essential if the significance of the tape is to be fully appreciated. Nevertheless, the material was up-to-date and included concepts as yet not readily available in text books. A 'live' lecture on this topic however would have been far more valuable, with the short sequences showing the effect of stress on bone and cartilage utilized as film loops. The overall quality of the performance was somewhat below the standard one tends to expect from a videotape, this being augmented by the lecturer's slightly nervous delivery. The tape could be of use for medical classes but would be better shown in conjunction with a laboratory class or self instruction period, than as part of a formal lecture course. J. A. Beeley
Isolation o f
a P o p u l a t i o n o f A l v e o l a r Macrophages 20 m i n colour v i d e o t a p e , 1976. V i d e o cassette. Sony Um a t i c . D e p a r t m e n t o f B i o c h e m i s t r y , University College, P . O . Box 78, C a r d i f f , CF1 1XL, W a l e s . This extremely well made film shows how to dissect out the lungs of a rabbit and then prepare from the tissue a suspension of alveolar macrophages. It was made for use in a Final Honours Biochemistry course on techniques for studying biological materials in vitro and in vivo.
The film illustrates use of the very best applications of television. It would have been impossible to demonstrate the dissection to more than three or four people without the use of television. Everything is very clearly shown and the commentary was excellent. The film should he of value both in teaching undergraduates and research students. J. R. Coggins Department of Biochemistry University of Glasgow Glasgow, G12 8QQ
Lipid Structure Part 2" Complex Esters Lipid Metabolism Part 4" Synthesis Both in colour a n d m a d e in 1975. First r u n s for 21 m i n u t e s a n d s e c o n d for 28 m i n u t e s . Video cassette. Philips V C R . Hire, V i d e o t a p e reel. All f o r m a t s . Sale f r o m D e p t . of M e d i c a l B i o c h e m i s t r y , University of M a n c h e s t e r , M e d i c a l School, O x f o r d R o a d , M a n c h e s t e r , M 1 3 9PT, U . K . These two films are part of an introductory course on lipid structure and metabolism. The first film describes the structure of various phospholipids and their amphipathic properties. There follows a brief discussion of the lipid bilayer and possible structures
April 1978
Vol. 6 No. 2
of biological membranes together with an animated sequence on how some molecules might diffuse across such membranes. The second film presents the malonyl-CoA pathway of fatty acid biosynthesis and briefly mentions some differences between this process and fl-oxidation. The permeability of the mitochondrion to acetyl-CoA, fatty acyl-CoA and the importance of carnitine is then discussed. As one might expect, an animated film of the synthesis of fatty acid by a multi-enzyme complex is included. I understand that notes for students accompany the films although these were unfortunately not available at the time of viewing. The presentation is clear and relaxed. The chatty style might grate on some but I feel that most students would be intrigued to learn that acetyl-CoA has problems, just like you and me. From the content of the films and their source, I imagine that they are primarily directed at medical students. If this is the case it would have been pertinent to distinguish between the products of the yeast fatty acid synthetase (fatty acyl-CoA), which was the subject of discussion, and those of animal multi-enzyme complexes (free fatty acids). If the accompanying notes adequately fill in the gaps then I believe that medical students would benefit from the course. In my opinion the films would be less useful for students in an honours biochemistry programme. So much extra information would have to be provided as to make the original presentation superfluous. Furthermore, those who are considering investment in audiovisual courses might reflect on Goldsmith's character, who chose his wife as she did her wedding gown "not for a fine glossy surface, but such qualities as would wear well". It is surprising to see a description of membrane structure, no matter how rudimentary, which does not mention the fluid-mosaic model. The animated film of fatty acid synthesis on the multi-enzyme complex was rather disappointing. It is difficult to see exactly what is happening on the growing fatty acid chain. Only the transacylase and fl-ketoacyl synthetase reactions are shown clearly. A good animated film of fatty acid synthesis on a multi-enzyme complex would be very valuable. Preparation of such a film would at the very least make one appreciate the generally high standard of production of these programmes from Manchester. P. J. Brophy
The Determination of the Structure o f a Dipeptide 9 m i n Black a n d W h i t e V i d e o t a p e , 1975. V i d e o cassette; Philips V C R or Sony U - m a t i c or N a t i o n a l P a n a s o n i c . V i d e o t a p e reel: IVC 1 in. Hire or sale f r o m University of G l a s g o w Television Service, S o u t h p a r k H o u s e , University of G l a s g o w , G12 8LB, S c o t l a n d . This short film by Dr. D. P. Leader of the University of Glasgow Biochemistry Department shows extremely well the value of short videotapes for undergraduate laboratory teaching. An experiment which illustrates some of the techniques used in the determination of the primary sequence of small peptides is performed by the students on two afternoons approximately 1 week apart. Between the two sessions the students' samples are subjected to a number of simple but rather time consuming operations for which there is insufficient time during the laboratory class. The film shows how these operations (the total acid hydrolysis of a peptide and the hydrolysis of a dansylated peptide to give the dansyl amino acid) are carried out and gives an account of the relevant theory. It is mainly of interest for demonstrations to teachers how TV films can be used to help teach practical biochemistry. Department of Biochemistry University of Glasgow Glasgow, G12 8QQ
J.R. Coggins
Membrane Transport 12 m i n colour v i d e o t a p e , 1976. V i d e o c a s s e t t e : Philips VCR. V i d e o t a p e Reel: all f o r m a t s . Hire or sale f r o m D e p a r t m e n t of M e d i c a l B i o c h e m i s t r y , M e d i c a l School, S t o p f o r d Building, O x f o r d R o a d , M a n c h e s t e r , M 1 3 9PT, U . K . This film shows an Honours Biochemistry Class Experiment on sugar transport in the intestine. Like the Glasgow film on the structure of a dipeptide it is very specifically concerned with a particular laboratory experiment.
BIOCHEMICAL EDUCATION
The Biochemistry of Connective Tissue V i d e o cassette. 1976. 44 m i n s . , colour. Phillips V C R or Sony U - m a t i c . V i d e o t a p e reel I V C 1 in. o r A m p e x 1 in. or Sony CV ½ in. or Sony A V ½ in. Hire f r o m University of L o n d o n A u d i o visual c e n t r e (Ms. P. Gulliford), 11 B e d f o r d Square, London, WC1B 3RA, U.K. This videotape, like that on the Microbioassay of Hormones, constituted a lecture in the University of London series entitled 'Scientific Basis of Medicine'. Only an extract was screened and although the tape is in colour, the performance was in black and white. The lecture is given by Dr. Helen Muir of the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, and begins by briefly summarising the proportions of collagen and proteoglycans in various tissues, followed by a brief mention of the four types of collagen. She defines the role of cartilage as not only in reducing friction, but also in distributing stress over a wider area of bone. She shows how collagen forms a network filled with entrapped proteoglycan molecules; the mesh is random but becomes orientated on loading. Cartilage is 70% water and the proteoglycan resists movement of this water when loaded. There is a good correlation between proteoglycan content and compressive stiffness whilst collagen content correlates with tensile stiffness. The molecular structure of proteoglycans is also described. Despite the title and the high standing of the lecturer, the overall performance was a little disappointing. A prior detailed understanding of the biochemistry of connective tissue macromolecules is essential if the significance of the tape is to be fully appreciated. Nevertheless, the material was up-to-date and included concepts as yet not readily available in text books. A 'live' lecture on this topic however would have been far more valuable, with the short sequences showing the effect of stress on bone and cartilage utilized as film loops. The overall quality of the performance was somewhat below the standard one tends to expect from a videotape, this being augmented by the lecturer's slightly nervous delivery. The tape could be of use for medical classes but would be better shown in conjunction with a laboratory class or self instruction period, than as part of a formal lecture course. J. A. Beeley
Isolation o f
a P o p u l a t i o n o f A l v e o l a r Macrophages 20 m i n colour v i d e o t a p e , 1976. V i d e o cassette. Sony Um a t i c . D e p a r t m e n t o f B i o c h e m i s t r y , University College, P . O . Box 78, C a r d i f f , CF1 1XL, W a l e s . This extremely well made film shows how to dissect out the lungs of a rabbit and then prepare from the tissue a suspension of alveolar macrophages. It was made for use in a Final Honours Biochemistry course on techniques for studying biological materials in vitro and in vivo.
The film illustrates use of the very best applications of television. It would have been impossible to demonstrate the dissection to more than three or four people without the use of television. Everything is very clearly shown and the commentary was excellent. The film should he of value both in teaching undergraduates and research students. J. R. Coggins Department of Biochemistry University of Glasgow Glasgow, G12 8QQ
Lipid Structure Part 2" Complex Esters Lipid Metabolism Part 4" Synthesis Both in colour a n d m a d e in 1975. First r u n s for 21 m i n u t e s a n d s e c o n d for 28 m i n u t e s . Video cassette. Philips V C R . Hire, V i d e o t a p e reel. All f o r m a t s . Sale f r o m D e p t . of M e d i c a l B i o c h e m i s t r y , University of M a n c h e s t e r , M e d i c a l School, O x f o r d R o a d , M a n c h e s t e r , M 1 3 9PT, U . K . These two films are part of an introductory course on lipid structure and metabolism. The first film describes the structure of various phospholipids and their amphipathic properties. There follows a brief discussion of the lipid bilayer and possible structures
April 1978
Vol. 6 No. 2
of biological membranes together with an animated sequence on how some molecules might diffuse across such membranes. The second film presents the malonyl-CoA pathway of fatty acid biosynthesis and briefly mentions some differences between this process and fl-oxidation. The permeability of the mitochondrion to acetyl-CoA, fatty acyl-CoA and the importance of carnitine is then discussed. As one might expect, an animated film of the synthesis of fatty acid by a multi-enzyme complex is included. I understand that notes for students accompany the films although these were unfortunately not available at the time of viewing. The presentation is clear and relaxed. The chatty style might grate on some but I feel that most students would be intrigued to learn that acetyl-CoA has problems, just like you and me. From the content of the films and their source, I imagine that they are primarily directed at medical students. If this is the case it would have been pertinent to distinguish between the products of the yeast fatty acid synthetase (fatty acyl-CoA), which was the subject of discussion, and those of animal multi-enzyme complexes (free fatty acids). If the accompanying notes adequately fill in the gaps then I believe that medical students would benefit from the course. In my opinion the films would be less useful for students in an honours biochemistry programme. So much extra information would have to be provided as to make the original presentation superfluous. Furthermore, those who are considering investment in audiovisual courses might reflect on Goldsmith's character, who chose his wife as she did her wedding gown "not for a fine glossy surface, but such qualities as would wear well". It is surprising to see a description of membrane structure, no matter how rudimentary, which does not mention the fluid-mosaic model. The animated film of fatty acid synthesis on the multi-enzyme complex was rather disappointing. It is difficult to see exactly what is happening on the growing fatty acid chain. Only the transacylase and fl-ketoacyl synthetase reactions are shown clearly. A good animated film of fatty acid synthesis on a multi-enzyme complex would be very valuable. Preparation of such a film would at the very least make one appreciate the generally high standard of production of these programmes from Manchester. P. J. Brophy
The Determination of the Structure o f a Dipeptide 9 m i n Black a n d W h i t e V i d e o t a p e , 1975. V i d e o cassette; Philips V C R or Sony U - m a t i c or N a t i o n a l P a n a s o n i c . V i d e o t a p e reel: IVC 1 in. Hire or sale f r o m University of G l a s g o w Television Service, S o u t h p a r k H o u s e , University of G l a s g o w , G12 8LB, S c o t l a n d . This short film by Dr. D. P. Leader of the University of Glasgow Biochemistry Department shows extremely well the value of short videotapes for undergraduate laboratory teaching. An experiment which illustrates some of the techniques used in the determination of the primary sequence of small peptides is performed by the students on two afternoons approximately 1 week apart. Between the two sessions the students' samples are subjected to a number of simple but rather time consuming operations for which there is insufficient time during the laboratory class. The film shows how these operations (the total acid hydrolysis of a peptide and the hydrolysis of a dansylated peptide to give the dansyl amino acid) are carried out and gives an account of the relevant theory. It is mainly of interest for demonstrations to teachers how TV films can be used to help teach practical biochemistry. Department of Biochemistry University of Glasgow Glasgow, G12 8QQ
J.R. Coggins
Membrane Transport 12 m i n colour v i d e o t a p e , 1976. V i d e o c a s s e t t e : Philips VCR. V i d e o t a p e Reel: all f o r m a t s . Hire or sale f r o m D e p a r t m e n t of M e d i c a l B i o c h e m i s t r y , M e d i c a l School, S t o p f o r d Building, O x f o r d R o a d , M a n c h e s t e r , M 1 3 9PT, U . K . This film shows an Honours Biochemistry Class Experiment on sugar transport in the intestine. Like the Glasgow film on the structure of a dipeptide it is very specifically concerned with a particular laboratory experiment.