Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

i was thinking, what is one of the most efficient engines the planet has. us! so if we're so good y don't we use other biological things for power? ie, clyvesdales walking around in a circle pulling that thing or whatever in the 18th-19th centuries, etc. would it b possible sometime now, or in the near-medium future to engineer an organism that performs a simple task such as rotating an axle? it wouldn't have to b very complicated, basically just a big blob that's created out of living tissue which does its tasks. if it's made well it could last a long time. but i suppose it is susceptible to disease and such. also u will have to feed it. also it is probably aga…

It's a long shot, but does anyone know whether knocking out the associated mismatch-repair exonuclease (so it is present but non-functional) stops DNA synthesis by the main DNA replicase in its tracks when a mismatch occurs, or just slows down synthesis? I know the answer might differ for the various types, but i think i can cope with the shock... (I ask because the normally excellent MBoC seems to contradict itself on this : / )

Hello, I wonder if anyone knows of a good website with good bio-related science terminology. It would be even better, if the website explains pathways. I have been trying to read Journals at the Pub Med and at the Journal of Biological Chemistry and I need a reference source for the concepts that I ignore. Thanks!

Anyone out there with any experience? I'd be grateful for a link to a good trouble-shooting guide. I've been embarked on this for a few weeks but never having done it before I'm not too aware of the pitfalls. Any good websites gratefully recieved!!

does anyone have any idea what it is that stops bear's muscles and bones from wasting away when they hibernate?

To be honest, I have very little idea. Anybody care to explain to me?

Since I'm pretty much a retard when it comes to categories. So here goes. I've seen so many successful experiments going on, such as replicating a human ear, and I even saw one with part of the nose. Do you think in a few years we will be able to completely clone a human body? If so, where would they start the cloning process? :feedback::spam:

First off, I would like to point out that I have 0 knowledge of biophysics so if you're going to explain something to me, explain it to me like I'm 8 years old. If your explanation involves theoretical physics, then there's no problem with my understanding of it, since that's what I'm most familiar with. Why do gases diffuse? My view of the molecular universe is simply just a bunch of molecules floating around. Is that the correct view? If not, how should I view the molecular universe? Why is it that the a vacancy of electrons indicates that a particle has electricity? and vice versa? thanks.

A RAPID AND A SIMPLE METHOD FOR MAKING RECOMBINANT ADENOVIRUSES HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED:http://research.bmn.com/tto/latest/record?uid=TTO.elstto00_01689525_152_t02768&rendertype=text&node=TOC%40%40TTO%40001%40152%40001_152

We knew back in the 70"s that on a cellular level the rind of a fruit produces the carbohydrate storing cells as it expands outward making the fruit larger. Then a chemical hormone at some point tells it to stop and orders it to ripen. Can't we interupt the cycle and block the stopping hormone and with hydroponics assist supporting the extra growth? The fruits, vegetables, and grains could be supported to grow rice grains as big as a room. Just for thought. Just aman

The currently accepted model for membrane transport of ions and other small molecules is a channel or a pump. However, it is not clearly understood how these are selective. Silicon rubber has demonstrated the same selectivity as a plasma membrane, which calls into question whether the channels and pumps actually do the transport. The issue of energy expenditure also is raised: Na+/K+ pumps alone would have to be using 40-50% of all ATP energy within the cell. What is everyones opinion of alternative hypotheses for the role of these so-called channel and pump proteins, especially considering they may function as receptors rather than channels or pumps at all?