amino acids

Wisconsin College discovery alters longstanding concept of fixed protein structure

harminka — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:11:30 -0500

The thousands of proteins found in nature are simply strings of amino acids, assembled by genes, and scientists have long believed that they automatically fold themselves into uniquely fixed, 3-dimensional shapes to fire the engine of life. In the era of genetic research, identifying those shapes and their functions has become a worldwide focus of biomedical science.

Acid oceans warning

harminka — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:41:08 -0500

The world’s oceans are becoming more acid, with potentially devastating consequences for corals and the marine organisms that build reefs and provide much of the Earth’s breathable oxygen.

Polypeptide synthesis done differently

harminka — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 04:40:35 -0500

Usually, the synthesis of short protein chains (polypeptides) begins with the production of their components, the amino acids. But it can be done differently: In the journal Angewandte Chemie, Chinese researchers report a considerably more convenient method that is similar to olefin polymerization, which is used for the mass production of plastics such as polyethylene.

Sour taste make you pucker?

harminka — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:01:37 -0500

Scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center report that genes play a large role in determining individual differences in sour taste perception. The findings may help researchers identify the still-elusive taste receptor that detects sourness in foods and beverages, just as recent gene studies helped uncover receptors for sweet and bitter taste.

Expanding the genetic code in living mammalian cells

harminka — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 04:42:05 -0500

Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have developed a novel strategy to expand the natural repertoire of 20 amino acids in mammalian cells, including neurons, and successfully inserted tailor-made amino acids into proteins in these cells.

Nectar includedg amino acids, vitamins and secondary metabolites

harminka — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:26:38 -0600

Scientists uncovering new meaning in genetic code

harminka — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:50:02 -0600

The bumper book of DNA no-no's

harminka — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 09:22:02 -0600