Biological molecule identification

Biological molecules such as antibodies or lectins can be bound to the latex spheres by any of a variety of standard chemical procedures for use in the identification of specific populations of cells, as well as in the detection and localization of specific cell surface receptors. This suggests that hormones and toxins can similarly be bound. 

The experiments can be carried out in solution or in solid state (for example in KBr pellet) in order to study both direct and indirect effects of ionizing radiations. The experiments can also be carried out with samples in crystal, layer or gel. The experiments require only limited amounts of sample, a condition which is often restrictive to study the biological molecules for instance. The size of the studied molecules is not limited small molecules as well as macromolecules, such as the nucleic acids or polymers, can be studied, allowing the identification of radiation-induced effects. 

Proteins are involved in all biological processes and can therefore be considered the functionally most important biological molecules and are crucial for the description of biological systems. The systematic identification and characterization of proteins is called proteomics. A predominant technology platform in proteomics, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, is used to separate complex protein mixtures allowing individual protein spots on the gel to be identified by computer-operated mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometric data are then processed through a series of computer algorithms such as Mass Lynx and ProteinLynx software to determine the sequence identity of the proteins. 

Whereas it is clear that expenses of the most powerful ancillary techniques (e.g., a high-resolution MS or FTIR spectroscopy) are substantia), so is the manpower used for structural studies in the less straightforward traditional way. Suffice to say, that many structural puzzles can now be solved more quickly than ever before. Identification of trace biological molecules in complex matrices is seemingly a difficult task some of these determinations could not have been possible prior to the availability... 

The use of a fractionation technique coupled with the determination of the metal or non-metal content could provide some information about the species under study. This information may include the approximate molecular mass, isoelectric point and electrophoretic mobility. If well-characterised standards are available with similar properties as the species of interest, identification is possible. In practice, however, because of the very limited number of well-characterised standards complete characterisation and identification Is only possible from first principles. Indeed, complete characterisation may not. in some cases, be necessary for the interpretation of the experimental results. Partial characterisation may be all that is needed. Some of the information that may be required and the techniques used are summarised in Table 2. A detailed account of some of the approaches used for structure elucidation and the study of the reactivity of various trace element containing biological molecules can be found in the book by Hughes (1981). 

Chemically synthesizing the biological molecule, after its full and accurate identification... 

Anke, X, Steglich, W, in Schlunegger, U. P. (Ed.), Biologically Active Molecules Identification, Characterization and Synthesis,... 

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