The ultracentrifuge obtained through this project is enabling the Division of Natural Sciences to develop complete subcellular fractionation capabilities in order to upgrade the curriculum in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as well as to add important new options to the undergraduate research program. Experiments have been designed for the isolation of plasma membranes, tonoplast membranes and other subcellular fractions, of such proteins as the ATPase and of viruses, plasmids and nucleic acids that require the use of an ultracentrifuge. These new experiments are being incorporated into the curriculum in order to take advantage of faculty expertise in this field; to enable students to perform advanced experiments involving the isolation of subcellular fractions, proteins and nucleic acids; to extend and integrate use of other equipment such as the HPLC, liquid scintillation counter and gas chromatograph, and to provide students with practical experience in the growing number of areas in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology that require advanced subcellular fractionation. The grantee institution is matching the NSF award with an equal sum obtained from non-Federal sources.
