Biomolecules visualization

IMS is a new, developing technique to visualize biomolecule maps in tissue. IMS has opened a new frontier in medicine as well as in clinical applications. Lipids and low-molecular-weight compounds in tissue sections cannot be observed with conventional microscopic or electron microscopic techniques therefore, no distribution map of these molecules in a tissue structure has been described in the scientific literature or in medical textbooks. However, IMS is bringing to light the characteristic distribution map of lipids (Fig. 21.11) this map made a major impact to lipid research. 

Determination of three-dimensional protein structures has become an important tool in protein research, indicated by the exponentially growing number of protein data bank entries during the last decade. They have contributed considerably to our understanding of function and mechanism of biomolecules. Structures of proteins alone or in complex with their substrates or binding partners like cofactors, DNA, or other proteins can visualize interactions at the atom-... 

Once an electrophoretic separation has been accomplished, the paper or gel is sprayed or dipped in a visualizing solution similar to that used in the visualization of components on a thin-layer plate. Detection methods similar to those used in HPLC are used in CE. The type of analytes (e.g., inorganic ions, organic ions, and ionic biomolecules) will determine which detection method is best. 

One important visualization technique that users should acquire is the ability to transform two-dimensional stereoviews into three dimensions. The stereoviews may be found in visualization software such as MDL Chime and RasMol.They are also found in journal articles in Science or Nature and others, especially those describing new biomolecule X-ray crystallographic or NMR solution structures. The following hints for learning to transform the stereoviews come from the extremely helpful website http //www.usm.mame. edu/ rhodes/OHelp/StereoView.html. 

Computer-generated model of the quaternary structure of hemoglobin, a protein consisting of four interlinked polypeptide chains, each shown in a different color. Computers are important tools for the study of biomolecules, as they help scientists visualize complex three-dimensional structures. 

There is often a need for a visualization procedure that is specific for a certain biomolecule, for example, an enzyme. If the enzyme remains in an active form while in the gel, any substrate that produces a colored product could be used to locate the enzyme on the gel. Although it is less desirable for detection, the electrophoresis support medium may be cut into small segments and each part extracted with buffer and analyzed for the presence of the desired component. 

Illustrated Guide to the Comparative Sizes of Biomolecules, Viruses, and Cells This highly visual guide is located at the end of the text. 

Microscopy Magnification of structures too small to be seen by the naked eye Visualization and identification of tissues, cells, and biomolecules... 

Molecular modeling Computer programs that allow the visualization of the structure of a biomolecule and the modeling of their properties Used to investigate the properties of biomolecules when experimental techniques can not be used... 

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