RUI: Purchase of an Amino Acid Analyzer for Research in Alaska with Emphasis on Undergraduate Biochemistry Research

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The Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Department of Chemistry will purchase a Beckman amino acid analyzer with data system. This instrument will be initially used in the following five research programs. 1. Analysis of synthetic amyloid peptides. 2. Comparative biochemistry of hemoglobins. 3. Molecular analysis of photosynthetic processes. 4. Decarboxylase structure.function relationships 5. Utilization of amino acids and related compounds in fish tissues. Undergraduate students participate in the above research programs and individual study projects such as: 1. Comparison of amino acid compositions of plant storage proteins, pollens, and free amino acid composition of tundra soils. 2. Physiological amino acid analysis of nutritional states. Undergraduate students will also use the instrument in the biochemistry laboratory course. This amino acid analyzer will be a significant addition to the Department's instrumentation capabilities, enhancing our ability to be a quality REU site. It will also function, in part, as a regional instrument for users on other state campuses, since this will be the only amino acid analyzer in the university system.