Monique

Well, I'd like to think there is something wrong with the test compound - but yes - it has been shown previously. I am just having a hard time reproducing previous results. he other probem is - the levels of enzyme expressed is SO low ... its almost basal !

I am currently busy with enzyme assays (well, trying to be): This is what I am doing, but its not working... I induce mouse hepatoma cells with ethanol and a test compound. The test compound is supposed to cause the transcription of my enzyme which I am supposed to measure the levels of after cell lysis, freezing and thawing. However, after measuring the OD, there seems to be NO significant difference between ethanol and test compound induction, i.e. I generated two identical looking curves. This is so frustrating.

I don't think you should worry TOO much - a friend of mine is currently busy with her med biochem degree and there's not much chem going on there. She's been in the lab since the beginning of the year and is currently working on knock out mice. It depends however on whether this is a pre or post grad?

I agree. I think Gram 'Positive' and Gram 'Negative' are the two major groups that you can divide bacteria into. Then again it also depends on WHAT characteristics of bacteria you want to compare...