In vitro genetic analysis of the Tetrahymena self-splicing intron

The availability of methods for the amplification of nucleic acid sequences allows the genetic analysis in vitro of the structural and functional properties of many nucleic acids. We have now developed an in vitro selection and amplification system, and used it to analyse the self-splicing Tetrahymena ribozyme. A much wider range of selective conditions can be used in vitro than is possible with standard in vivo methods, and many more variants can be handled in vitro than in vivo. This method can be used to isolate the wild-type ribozyme, and structural variants that are as active as the wild type, from a pool of over 250,000 variants in only three cycles of selection and amplification.     

The multi-disciplinary role of 'pion factories'

The multi-disciplinary role of intermediate energy proton accelerators in pure and applied nuclear physics is discussed with particular reference to the experimental programmes at LAMPF (Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility) and SIN (Swiss Institute for Nuclear Research, Zurich).     

Confirmation of the structure of nisin and its major degradation product by FAB-MS and FAB-MS/MS

FAB-MS has been applied to the analysis of a nisin complex and FAB-MS and FAB-MS/MS data from the major component used to provide confirmation of the amino sequence and positions of the sulphur-bridged rings in these highly modified peptides.