A number of research projects in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, depend on the use of analytical sedimentation methods. These include studies of the structure, stability, and assembly of chromatin (K.E. van Holde): studies of the structure, evolution, and function of hemocyanins (K.I. Miller, K.E. van Holde): investigators of association between enzymes involved in protein phosphorylation (S.R. Anderson); and multi-enzyme complexes involved in biosynthesis of DNA precursors (C.K. Mathews). The laboratory of Dr. van Holde has maintained, and steadily used for many years a Beckman Model E. analytical ultracentrifuge. This instrument is both obsolete and decrepit. Fortunately for our future research, the Beckman Instrument Company has just come out with a radically new analytical ultracentrifuge design. This instrument will not only meet the present needs of our department, but will allow kinds of experiments hitherto impossible. This proposal requests funds for such an instrument. As a group that has been a leader in the utilization and development of ultracentrifuge techniques, we are in a position to make maximum use of such a facility.
