NSF Award
8750272
Recent developments in technology now enable biologists to study organisms at the cellular and subcellular levels. This new field of Molecular Biology promises to answer many previously unanswered questions about, e.g., regulation physiology and the development of organisms. Use of radioactive isotopes for the labeling and tracing of molecules has proved invaluable in Molecular Biology -- a technique which requires the new liquid scintillation counter provided through this award. Actual experience with radioactive labeling and scintillation counting is helping the students better understand new concepts and developments in Biology. By incorporating labeling experiments into the study of plants, animals and bacteria, the universality of cells is being stressed, thus demonstrating how modern techniques may be applicable to diverse sets of organisms and disciplines. Through this experience the students are receiving practical training in the use of modern biological instrumentation, and are improving their skills in understanding and solving biological problems.
