With the funds conveyed in this award, the Biology and Chemistry Departments of Grinnell College are purchasing a liquid scintillation spectrometer to permit the use of radioisotopes and liquid scintillation spectrometry in the laboratories of the Cell Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry courses. Liquid scintillation spectrometry is a powerful analytical tool for the characterization of proteins and other complex compounds of biological interest through its ability to detect very low levels of beta radiation. The technique has numerous applications in cellular/ molecular biology and biochemistry--synthesis of cell products, metabolic pathways, etc. The new instrument also will enhance significantly the ability of advanced students in the two departments to conduct independent research in cellular biology and biochemistry.
