Computational approaches to structural and functional analysis of plastocyanin and other blue copper proteins

Computational techniques are becoming increasingly important in structural and functional biology, in particular as tools to aid the interpretation of experimental results and the design of new systems. This review reports on recent studies employing a variety of computational approaches to unravel the microscopic details of the structure-function relationships in plastocyanin and other proteins belonging to the blue copper superfamily. Aspects covered include protein recognition, electron transfer and protein-solvent interaction properties of the blue copper protein family. The relevance of integrating diverse computational approaches to address the analysis of a complex protein system, such as a cupredoxin metalloprotein, is emphasized.Received 9 May 2003; received after revision 24 November 2003; accepted 28 November 2003     

A histofluorescent procedure for identifying marijuana cannabinoids

A rapid and reliable fluorescence procedure is described as a test for the microscopical identification of the glandular hairs of Cannabis sativa. The proposed method, designated as the IFIM test (induced fluorescence identification for marijuana test), is based on the induction of a red fluorescence in cannabinoids by a hot clearing solution. The results, compared to those obtained by the classical RIM test, offer the possibility of more satisfactory identification of cannabis, hashish or marijuana in suspected samples.