Molecular Structure

"Molecular Structure", together with the models kit, presents the fundamental chemical and physical principles that determine the conformations and three-dimensional structures of proteins and nucleic acids. The reader is guided in the construction of backbone models using plastic parts supplied in the model kit. Models can be built for three conformations of DNA, the yeast phenylalanine tRNA molecule, as well as insulin, the cro repressor and lysozyme. Side chains and substrate are included for the lysozyme model. The book is intended to develop three-dimensional understanding of structure and function through the study of models. The discussion of the molecular structures uses the backbone models in conjunction with many illustrations that reinforce the atomic nature of molecular interactions. The text is written at an introductory level, and is designed for undergraduate students of molecular biology, genetics and cell biology. It will be useful both in the classroom and in laboratory studies. A set of 50 35mm slides may be purchased to accompany Molecular Structure and its models. A booklet listing each slide provides background information for the viewer or instructor.