DOCSLIB.ORG

Acts on the Transcription Process

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Acts on the Transcription Process Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Vol. 68, No. 1, pp. 215-218, January 1971 An Adenosine 3':5'-Cyclic Monophosphate-Binding Protein That Acts on the Transcription Process L. ERON*, R. ARDITTI*, G. ZUBAYt, S. CONNAWAY*, AND J. R. BECKWITH* * Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; and t Department of Biology, Columbia University, New York, N.Y. Communicated by Boris Magasanik, November 13, 1970 ABSTRACT An assay system for the in vitro transcrip- on the origin of the phages as predicted by the Campbell tion of the lac operon is described. A protein factor (CAP) model. This information indicates that there are no bacterial and cyclic AMP, which are essential for lac expression in vivo, also stimulate lac transcription in vitro. genes in common between the two phages other than the lac genes. However, since the X and q80 chromosomes do recom- Until recently, the study of the expression and regulation of bine with each other (7, 10, 11), there is almost certainly some bacterial genes has depended on physiological and genetic genetic homology between the two phage chromosomes. To studies. In the last few years, the detection and purification of test the effect of this homology on RNA-DNA hybridization regulatory proteins has opened up the possibility for studying we have transcribed 080plac and Xplac DNAs with RNA regulatory effects in vitro [e.g., lac (1), X (2), T4 (3), T7 (4)]. polymerase and hybridized the resulting RNA to the separate In the case of bacteriophage genomes, studies on in vitro strands of XDNA and 08ODNA, respectively. The results transcription have concentrated on regions of the phage ge- show that there is only very little homology between the RNA nomes (e.g., early and late), for the most part, rather than spe- made from one phage DNA and the DNA of the other (Table cific genes. In bacterial systems, however, one must be able to 1). This homology never amounts to more than 1% of the detect the RNA transcription of a relatively very limited total counts incorporated into the trichloroacetic acid number of genes, usually those comprising an operon. This (TCA)-precipitable material. We expect, therefore, that means that ideally for in vitro studies, an assay system for essentially the only RNA made from, for instance, 080plac mRNA must be developed that can pick up specifically the which will hybridize to Xplac is lac RNA itself. mRNA species from a single operon. Here, we describe such a For most of our experiments, we have used 080plac DNA system for the lac operon. as a template for transcription, and the separated strands of Among many transducing phages isolated that carry the Xplac for hybridization. In vivo the lac genes (16), and pre- lac operon, two have been described which have no other genes sumably all other genes, are transcribed into a mRNA comple- in common than the lac genes. These two phages, Xplac 5 and mentary to only one of the two DNA strands. We have shown 480plac 1, have been used, in fact, to isolate pure lac DNA (5). Thus, an assay system for specifically detecting lac mRNA Aplac, lac exists, either through the use of the pure lac DNA or through A ____ J y z b2 attA int N immA R use of the two phage DNA molecules, one as a template for Aplac, RNA transcription and the other for RNA-DNA hybridiza- Aplac, I_ tion. In this paper we describe the use of the hybridization proce- dure for studying in vitro transcription of the lac operon. These 080plac, studies have allowed us to show that a protein factor (CAP) and cyclic AMP (cAMP), which are essential for lac expression A ---- J att80 a i N imm80 R in vivo, act on the transcription process. The study of regula- 80pl zay tory effects in vitro, specifically effects of lac repressor and iac ,80plac1,I promoter mutations, suggest that additional components FIG. 1. Direction of transcription of genes on lac transduc- may be necessary for accurate initiation of lac transcription. ing phages. The arrows indicate direction of transcription and The results also indicate some of the problems in dealing with are placed closest to that strand from which the RNA is trans- in vitro transcription of a DNA preparation that contains cribed. In vitro, the b2 region of X is transcribed from both strands genes other than the genes of interest. (6). A brief description of the origins of the two phages is pre- sented elsewhere (5). The 480pilc behaves like an int- phage, METHODS AND RESULTS suggesting deletion of some genes to the left of N. Although in The probable structures of Xplac 5 and 080plac 1 genomes are the 80plac all y-distal bacterial genes were removed in the con- shown in Fig. 1. These structures are based on genetic data and struction of the phage, there are probably still bacterial genes adjacent to the i gene. We do not know how much of the b2 Abbreviation: CAP, a protein factor required for the synthesis region is intact in Xplac5. For maps of X describing the markers, of fl-galactosidase in vitro whose activity depends on cyclic AMP see refs. 7-9. For convenience, the 4)80 marker notation is identical (cAMP). with that of X. The iinm8O notation refers to o80 immunity and No reprints of this paper will be available in the USA. imm X to X immunity region. 215 Downloaded by guest on September 30, 2021 216 Biochemistry: Eron et al. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA that with q80plac, it is the 080plaCH strand and with Xplac, The failure to observe high levels of correct transcription of the XplaCL strand that is complementary to lac mRNA made the lac operon was not unexpected. Evidence from genetic and in vivo (5). One of the criteria, then, for determining whether physiological studies have indicated that for correct tran- the lac genes are being transcribed accurately in vitro is scription of the lac operon, in addition to RNA polymerase, whether the RNA made from 080plac is complementary to cAMP and a protein factor may be necessary (18-23). We the XplaCL strand only; i.e., asymmetric transcription. The have described the partial purification of a protein factor data in line 2 of Table 2 show that transcription of lac genes in (CAP) (22) which is necessary for the synthesis of fl-galactosi- 480plac DNA occurs from both strands, predominantly from dase in a crude in vitro system (15). The activity of this pro- the incorrect strand! This result is not unpredicted if one tein depends on the presence of cAMP. Emmer et al. (23) have considers the structure of the phage genome as outlined in described a similar protein. Our protein preparation binds Fig. 1. Transcription from the 480 "N" gene should be ini- cAMP with a constant of approximately 3 X 105 M. tiated in this system (17) and proceed onto the incorrect When CAP and cyclic AMP are included in the transcription strand of the lac region. [We show elsewhere that an RNA reaction mixture, up to a 6-fold stimulation of transcription termination factor, p, which eliminates transcription of the from the correct strand of the lac region is observed (Table 2, region to the left of N (17), does the same to the incorrect lines 2-5). At the concentrations used, the reaction is still transcription of the lac genes seen here (15).] linear with CAP concentration. At the same time as tran- scription from the correct strand of lac is stimulated, tran- scription from the opposite strand is depressed. This depres- TABLE 1. Complementarity of RNA transcribed from one lac sion may be due to competition between RNA polymerase transducing phuge DNA uith the heterologous wild molecules from type DNA transcribing opposite strands. phase The expected stimulation of lac transcription seen with and CAP is not due to a Cpm hybridized to cyclic-AMP generalized stimulation of transcription (total counts incorporated are the same) nor Template XL XH 48OL 480H probably to stimulation of transcription of parts of the 480 of the strand. The 080plac 147 (0.4) 165 (0.4) 10,000 (25) 17,400 (43) portions 480plaCH ratio of counts tran- Xplac ... ... 200 (0.5) 305 (0.7) scribed from 080plac which hybridized to 480L and 480H strands was identical whether or not CAP was present (Table The figures in parentheses are the % of total input counts 3). (40,000 cpm). The RNA polymerase used in these experiments includes Phage lysates were prepared as follows: 106-107 phage particles the a protein, which affects the template specificity of the were plated onto TYE plates (12) with M top agar (12) (diluted enzyme (3). The stimulation of lac transcription seen with 20% with distilled water) containing 2 X 108 bacteria of a lac CAP and cyclic AMP is completely dependent on the presence deletion strain (M182). After overnight incubation at 370C, of a factor in the transcription reaction mixture (Table 2, 1-2 ml of broth was added to each plate and left at room tem- lines 1 and 5). perature for an additional hour. The surface of the plates were The specificity of the effect of CAP and cyclic AMP on lac then scraped and the mixture of phage, bacteria, and agar was transcription suggests that transcription is proceeding in vitro treated with chloroform and centrifuged twice at 6000 rpm for 15 min. The as it does in vivo. A further criterion to establish this is to supernatant containing the phage was concentrated demonstrate in a Spinco ultracentrifuge at 22,000 rpm for 2.5 hr.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Department of Biology, Report to the President 2016-2017
    Department of Biology Academic year 2016–2017 was exciting and productive for the Department of Biology. The department is considered one of the best biological science departments in the world. Our superb faculty members are leaders in biological research and education. Some of the news regarding our faculty, research, and educational programs is highlighted below. Faculty Count and Departures During AY2017, the Department of Biology had 56 faculty members: 44 full professors, eight associate professors, and four assistant professors. Research homes are distributed among Building 68, the Broad Institute, the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, and the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. In addition to 56 primary faculty members, there were six faculty members with secondary appointments in Biology. These joint faculty members provide important connections to other departments, including Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Chemistry, Biological Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. We are saddened by the loss of Professor Susan Lindquist, who passed away in October 2016. Hidde Ploegh (Whitehead Institute) moved to Children’s Hospital in January 2017. Professor William (Chip) Quinn (Biology/Brain and Cognitive Sciences) retired in July 2016. Faculty Awards Department of Biology faculty members are widely recognized for their contributions to the field. Among our core faculty are three Nobel Laureates, 30 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 28 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 14 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, four recipients of the National Science Foundation National Medal of Science, and 15 Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigators.
    [Show full text]
  • Erwin Chargaff 1905–2002
    NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ERWIN CHARGAFF 1 9 0 5 – 2 0 0 2 A Biographical Memoir by SEYMOUR S. COHEN with selected bibliography by ROBERT LEHMAN Any opinions expressed in this memoir are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Academy of Sciences. Biographical Memoir 2010 NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES WASHINGTON, D.C. ERWIN CHARGAFF August 11, 1905–June 20, 2002 BY SEYMOUR S . COHEN 1 AND ROBERT LEHMAN N 1944, AS VARIOUS ARMIES WERE planning to invade central IEurope, the recently naturalized U.S. citizen and Columbia University biochemist had learned of the report of O. T. Avery and his colleagues that the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of a specific strain of pneumococcus constituted the genetically specific hereditary determinant of that bacterium. Almost alone among the scientists of the time, Chargaff accepted the unusual Avery report and concluded that genetic differ- ences among DNAs must be reflected in chemical differences among these substances. He was actually the first biochemist to reorganize his laboratory to test this hypothesis, which he went on to prove by 1949. His results and the subsequent work on the nature of DNA and heredity transformed biomedical research and training for the next fifty years at least, and established potentialities for the development of biology, which have created economic entities and opportunities, as well as major ethical and political controversies. Trained as an analytical chemist, Chargaff had never imagined that he would help to solve a major cytological problem. Reprinted with the permission from Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society (vol.
    [Show full text]
  • Chemical Heritage Foundation Boris Magasanik
    CHEMICAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION BORIS MAGASANIK Transcript of an interview Conducted by Sondra Schlesinger In three sessions between 1993 and 1995 This interview has been designated as Free Access. One may view, quote from, cite, or reproduce the oral history with the permission of CHF. Please note: Users citing this interview for purposes of publication are obliged under the terms of the Chemical Heritage Foundation Oral History Program to credit CHF using the format below: Boris Magasanik, interview by Sondra Schlesinger, 1993-1995 (Philadelphia: Chemical Heritage Foundation, Oral History Transcript # 0186). Chemical Heritage Foundation Oral History Program 315 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106 The Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) serves the community of the chemical and molecular sciences, and the wider public, by treasuring the past, educating the present, and inspiring the future. CHF maintains a world-class collection of materials that document the history and heritage of the chemical and molecular sciences, technologies, and industries; encourages research in CHF collections; and carries out a program of outreach and interpretation in order to advance an understanding of the role of the chemical and molecular sciences, technologies, and industries in shaping society. BORIS MAGASANIK 1919 Born in Kharkoff, Russia, on December 19 Education 1941 B.S., biochemistry, City College of New York 1948 Ph.D., biochemistry, Columbia University Professional Experience Columbia University 1948-1949 Research Assistant, Department
    [Show full text]
  • Front Matter (PDF)
    COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY VOLUME XXVI COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY Founded in 1933 by REGINALD G. HARRIS Director o/ the Biological Laboratory 1924 to 1936 The Symposia were organized and managed by Dr. Harris until his death. Their continued use- /ulness is a tribute to the soundness o/ his vision. The Symposium volumes are published by the Long Island Biological Association as a part of the work of the Biological Laboratory Cold Spring Harbor, L.I., New York COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY VOLUME XXVI Cellular Regulatory Mechanisms THE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY COLD SPRING HARBOR, L.I., NEW YORK 1961 COPYRIGHT 1962 BY THE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY LONG ISLAND BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, INC. Library of Congress Catalog Number: 34-8174 All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part except by reviewers for the public press without written permission from the publisher PRINTED BY WAVERLY PRESS, INC., BALTIMORE,MARYLAND, U.S.A. FOREWORD During the past twenty years, research in genetics and biochemistry, while superficially directed toward an understanding of different aspects of cell behavior, has been moving to a union which appears to have been completed in the presen- tations at this symposium on Cell Regulatory Mechanisms. Sessions were devoted to the role of the genetic material as an information code in protein synthesis and the mechanism of information transfer from DNA to the site of synthesis. Major attention was devoted to cellular mechanisms governing the rates of enzyme ac- tivity and enzyme synthesis. While most of the research presented dealt with microorganisms, the significance of these efforts for questions of normal and ab- normal growth and development in multicellular forms is quite apparent.
    [Show full text]
  • Active Efflux of Tetracycline Encoded by Four Genetically Different
    Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 77, No. 7, pp. 3974-3977, July 1980 Biochemistry Active efflux of tetracycline encoded by four genetically different tetracycline resistance determinants in Escherichia coli (everted membrane vesicles/tetracycline transport/transposon TnlO/plasmids) LAURA MCMURRY, RICHARD E. PETRUCCI, JR., AND STUART B. LEVY* Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology and Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 Communicated by Boris Magasanik, April 21, 1980 ABSTRACT Tetracycline resistance encoded by four ge- at least partly reversed by energy inhibitors (11), which sug- netically different determinants residing on plasmids in Esch- gested that energy was required for the lowered tetracycline erichia coli was shown to be associated in each case with an accumulation. Using everted membrane vesicles, we now energy-dependent decrease in accumulation of the antibiotic containing any one of four ge- in whole cells in which resistance had been induced. The dif- demonstrate that resistant cells ferent class determinants examined were those on plasmids RP1 netically different plasmid-borne tetracycline resistance de- (class A), R222 (class B), R144 (class C), and RAI (class D). This terminants (5) possess an active efflux system for this antibi- decrease in accumulation was attributable to an active efflux, otic. because everted (inside-out) membrane vesicles made from tetracycline-induced E. coli cells containing any one of the four MATERIALS AND METHODS plasmids were shown to concentrate tetracycline by an active Bacterial Strains and Plasmids. The prototroph E. coli strain influx. This active uptake was not seen in inside-out vesicles from P. D. from sensitive cells or uninduced R222-containing cells.
    [Show full text]
  • Transcriptional Repression at a Distance Through Exclusion of Activator Binding in Vivo
    Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 94, pp. 790–795, February 1997 Biochemistry Transcriptional repression at a distance through exclusion of activator binding in vivo MITSUHIRO SHIMIZU*†,WEISHI LI‡,HEISABURO SHINDO*, AND AARON P. MITCHELL†‡ *School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-03, Japan; and ‡Department of Microbiology and Institute of Cancer Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 Communicated by Boris Magasanik, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, December 3, 1996 (received for review October 8, 1996) ABSTRACT The yeast repressor Rme1p acts from distant Repression by Rme1p is unusual in that it is exerted over a binding sites to block transcription of the chromosomal IME1 considerable distance. The Rme1p binding sites lie over 1600 gene. Rme1p can also repress the heterologous CYC1 promoter bp upstream of IME1 RNA start sites and over 600 bp when Rme1p binding sites are placed 250–300 bp upstream of upstream of the IME1 upstream activation sequence (UAS) CYC1 transcriptional activator binding sites (UAS1 and region (refs. 16 and 17; see Fig. 1A). Other yeast repressors UAS2). Here, in vivo footprinting studies indicate that Rme1p generally act over smaller distances in chromosomal promoter acts over this distance by preventing the binding of the CYC1 regions (18–20). Repression depends upon both Rme1p bind- transcriptional activators to UAS1 and UAS2. Inhibition of ing sites and upon flanking chromosomal sequences. A min- activator binding by Rme1p has the same genetic require- imal region for repression has been defined through insertions ments as repression: both depend upon sequences flanking the of IME1 sequences upstream of a CYC1-lacZ reporter gene Rme1p binding sites and upon Rgr1p and Sin4p, two subunits (13).
    [Show full text]
  • How Microbial Proteomics Got Startedã
    Proteomics 2011, 11, 2943–2946 DOI 10.1002/pmic.201000780 2943 REVIEW How microbial proteomics got startedà Frederick C. Neidhardt Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Publication in 1975 by Patrick O’Farrell of a procedure to separate the proteins of Escherichia Received: December 13, 2010 coli in a two-dimensional array on polyacrylamide gels marked the birth of the field now Accepted: January 18, 2011 called proteomics. Although O’Farrell’s contribution was soon to have wide ranging effects on research in many fields, the initial impact was greatest in the arena of whole cell physiology. Refinements and amplification of the original procedure, including improved standardization and reproducibility of gel patterns, introduction of techniques to measure the quantity of protein in individual spots, and biochemical identification of the protein spots, afforded investigators the ability to explore for the first time the integrated working of control circuits in the living cell. From O’Farrell’s contribution has grown the rich array of techniques currently employed and still being developed in the diverse field of microbial proteomics. Keywords: Integrative biology / Microbial physiology / Microbiology / Proteomics origin It is an honor to be asked to write an introductory review on microbial proteomics in 1975 would forever change the the origin of microbial proteomics for this special issue of direction of bacterial physiology. Some colleagues are Proteomics. Professor Michael Hecker, himself a pioneer in mentionedy those whose proximity to the author allowed the field, has graciously invited me to say whatever I wish in us to share the excitement of the times.
    [Show full text]
  • Profile of Graham C. Walker
    PROFILE PROFILE Profile of Graham C. Walker Jennifer Viegas Science Writer When biologist Graham Walker was intro- DNA, however, changed those plans. “Iknew duced to DNA during a biology course at just enough about the state of quantum Carleton University in Canada, it was fasci- mechanics in 1966 to realize that it wasn’t nation at first sight. “IthoughtDNAwasthe quite ready to deal with a molecule as big as coolest molecule in the world and decided I DNA, so I decided to become an organic wanted to work on it,” says the recently elec- chemist instead so that I could synthesize ted National Academy of Sciences member. it,” he says. Since then, Walker’s research has helped ex- plicate the structure and function of proteins Focus on Nucleic Acids involved in DNA repair and mutagenesis, Carleton chemistry professor Robert Wight- with potential applications for cancer treat- man was an early, influential mentor. As “ ments and antibiotics. His work has also Walker says, He not only ignited the fire in contributed to our understanding of how my belly for experimentation by letting me bacteria infect plants and mammals. synthesize a methylated nucleoside in his lab Fornearlyfourdecades Walker has taught for my honors thesis, but tolerated with good at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology humor the large explosion that occurred (MIT), where he is in charge of the biology when my reaction generating diazomethane undergraduate program. “I am proud of hav- got out of control.” ing been able to make my research contri- Wightman arranged for Walker to work in butions at the same time that I was devoting the laboratory of molecular biologist Saran considerable time and effort towards im- Narang at the National Research Council in Graham C.
    [Show full text]
  • 2007-Annual-Report.Pdf
    2007 A NNUAL R EPORT 2007 A NNUAL R EPORT RESEARCH TRIANGLEPARK, NORTH CAROLINA B URROUGHS W ELLCOME F UND 21 T. W. A LEXANDER DRIVE P. O. BOX 13901 R ESEARCH T RIANGLE PARK, NC 27709-3901 (919) 991-5100 WWW. BWFUND. ORG burroughs wellcome fund TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Burroughs Wellcome Fund 6 President’s Message 7 Biomedical Sciences 16 Infectious Disease 20 Interfaces in Science 24 Translational Research 29 Science Education 36 Report on Finance 44 Financial Statements 46 Grants Index 57 Information for Applicants 59 Program Application Deadlines 64 Advisory Committees 65 Board of Directors 71 Staff 73 Contact Information 76 2007 annual report ABOUT THE BURROUGHS WELLCOME FUND he Burroughs Wellcome Fund is an independent private foundation Tdedicated to advancing the biomedical sciences by supporting research and other scientific and educational activities. Within this broad mission, BWF seeks to accomplish two primary goals—to help scientists early in their careers develop as independent investigators, and to advance fields in the basic biomedical sciences that are undervalued or in need of particular encouragement. With an endowment of more than $800 million, BWF invests nearly $40 million in grants annually in the United States and Canada. During the past fiscal year, financial support was channeled primarily through competitive peer-reviewed award programs, which encompass five major categories—biomedical sciences, infectious disease, interfaces in science, translational research, and science education. Grants are made primarily to degree-granting institutions on behalf of individual researchers, who must be nominated by their institutions. To complement these competitive award programs, grants are also made to nonprofit organizations conducting activities intended to improve the general environment for science.
    [Show full text]
  • Sydney Kustu 1943–2014
    Sydney Kustu 1943–2014 A Biographical Memoir by Bob B. Buchanan, Jason A. Hall, and David S. Weiss ©2015 National Academy of Sciences. Any opinions expressed in this memoir are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Academy of Sciences. SYDNEY GOVONS KUSTU March 18, 1943–March 18, 2014 Elected to the NAS, 1993 Sydney Govons Kustu was an eminent microbiologist, a driving force behind the development of microbiology on the University of California, Berkeley, campus, and a trail- blazer for women in science. Born in Baltimore, MD, her family moved to Lansing, MI, when she was 12. She proved to be a child prodigy, skip- ping three grades in school and receiving a multitude of honors during her youth. These honors included attending the Peabody Conservatory summer music camp for music composition, playing a piano concerto with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra at a very young age, winning the State of Michigan Detroit Free Press debate contest, for which she was not only the youngest but also the first By Bob B. Buchanan, female to do so, and being awarded a National Merit Jason A. Hall, Scholarship. and David S. Weiss At the early age of 15, Kustu began her undergraduate studies at Radcliffe College, still considered Harvard’s “coordinate institution for female students” at the time of her matriculation. The institutions soon merged, and when Kustu received her B.A. in General Studies in 1963 she was among the first females to earn a baccalaureate degree from Harvard University. After graduating from Harvard, Kustu spent two years as a technician in the laboratory of Saul Roseman at the University of Michigan, where she was trained in the purification and kinetic characterization of enzymes (Roseman was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1972).
    [Show full text]
  • Department of Biology
    DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY Requirements for this degree program (http://catalog.mit.edu/ interdisciplinary/undergraduate-programs/degrees/computer- science-molecular-biology) can be found in the section on The Department of Biology (https://biology.mit.edu) oers Interdisciplinary Programs. undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training in basic biology, and in a variety of biological elds of specialization. Minor in Biology The quantitative aspects of biology, including molecular biology, The department oers a Minor in Biology; the requirements are as biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology, represent the core of the follows: program. Students in the department are encouraged to acquire a solid background in the physical sciences not only to master the 5.12 Organic Chemistry I 12 applications of mathematics, physics, and chemistry to biology, 7.03 Genetics 12 but also to develop an integrated scientic perspective. The various 7.05 General Biochemistry 12 programs, which emphasize practical experimentation, combine a minimum of formal laboratory exercises with ample opportunities or 5.07[J] Introduction to Biological Chemistry for research work both in project-oriented laboratory subjects and Select two of the following: 24-30 in the department's research laboratories. Students at all levels are 7.002 Fundamentals of Experimental encouraged to acquire familiarity with advanced research techniques & 7.003[J] Molecular Biology and to participate in seminar activities. and Applied Molecular Biology Laboratory 7.06 Cell Biology Undergraduate Study 7.08[J] Fundamentals of Chemical Biology 7.093 Modern Biostatistics Bachelor of Science in Biology (Course 7) & 7.094 and Modern Computational Biology The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Biology (http:// catalog.mit.edu/degree-charts/biology-course-7) is designed 7.20[J] Human Physiology to prepare students for a professional career in the area of the 7.21 Microbial Physiology biological sciences.
    [Show full text]
  • Obsession with Dn/Dt FREDERICK C
    / = JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY, Dec. 1999, p. 7405–7408 Vol. 181, No. 24 0021-9193/99/$04.00ϩ0 Copyright © 1999, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. GUEST COMMENTARY Bacterial Growth: Constant Obsession with dN/dt FREDERICK C. NEIDHARDT* Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0620. One of life’s inevitable disappointments—one felt often by tantly, its invitation to explore—affected me profoundly. The scientists and artists, but not only by them—comes from ex- first-order rate constant k in the growth equation seemed to pecting others to share the particularities of one’s own sense of me the ideal tool by which to assess the state of a culture of awe and wonder. This truth came home to me recently when I cells, i.e., the rate at which they were performing life, as it picked up Michael Guillen’s fine book Five Equations That were. I elected to pursue my Ph.D. studies with Boris Ma- Changed the World (4) and discovered that my equation—the gasanik, studying the molecular basis of diauxic growth. Over one that shaped
    [Show full text]