Microscopy, Optical Spectroscopy and Macroscopic Techniques

This superb survey of the possible applications of physiochemical techniques to the analysis of biological macromolecules is designed for the practicing biochemist or biologist who wants to use the technique but lacks the experience. The contributors emphasize practical aspects, such as constraints on sample quantity, purity, and presentation; the problems of time and expense involved; the problems a technique is best suited to solve; and how the results may be interpreted. Among the methods examined are optical and infrared spectroscopy, microscopy, ultracentrifugation, calorimetry, X-ray and neutron scattering, and light scattering. This book will enable the reader to confidently collaborate with specialists in applying these techniques.

Part I. Microscopy. Electron Microscopy of Protein-Nucleic Acid Complexes: Enhanced High-Resolution Shadowing. Visualization of Unshadowed DNA by Electron Microscopy: Adsorption to a Bacitracin Film. Biological Applications of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy. Part II.Scattering and Sedimentation: High Flux X-Ray and Neutron Solution Scattering. Determination of Macromolecular Homogeneity Shape and Interactions Using Sedimentation Velocity Analytical Ultracentrifugation. Determination of Absolute Molecular Weights Using Sedimentation Equilibrium Analytical Ultracentrifugation. Classical Light Scattering for the Determination of Absolute Molecular Weights and Gross Conformation of Biological Macromolecules. Determination of Diffusion Coefficients of Biological Macromolecules by Dynamic Light Scattering. Part III. Calorimetric Methods. Introduction to Microcalorimetry and Biomolecular Energetics. Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Isothermal Titration Microcalorimetry. Part IV. Optical Spectroscopy. Optical Spectroscopy: Principles and Instrumentation. The Measurement of Electronic Absorption Spectra in the Ultraviolet and Visible. Analysis of Polypeptide and Protein Structures Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Circular Dichroism. Index.