teaching Media Aids Reviews
W. ROBERT BARNARD Evergreen S f d e College Washington 98501
The Chemical Synthesis of Proteins (Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis)
Olympia,
Interpretation of Infrared Spectra
Norman B. Colthurp, American Cyanamid Co., Stamford, Conneeticot. American Chemical Soeietv., Washineton. , D. C.. 1971. Five tape cassettes and manual. vii 137 pp. Figs. and tables. 21.5 X 27.5 cm. S60.
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I n 1969, Mr. Cnlthrup's popular American Chemical Society, two-day short course, "Interpretation of Infrared Spectra," was condensed and made avnilahle as a 4 h r , black and white, 16 mm sound film. Now, the course is available in a. new format, in five audio-tape cassettes, with & total playing time of more than 7 hr iwith n 137 page booklet containing 43 figures, a textual synopsis of the objectives of each figure, reference spectra, unknown spectra, and spectral problems). Those familiar with t,he "Film Course" will find essentially the same content in the "Audio Course." The course is still divided into app~oximatelp40% introductoiy theory and 60% group frequencies used in molecular stmcture studies. The sixty-seven reference spectra whose group frequencies are int,erpreted are identical in each course, as are the twelve unknown spectra. which are solved by comparison t o the reference spectra. A notable addition to the "Audio Course" is a set of twenty-eight, spectra (4000-650 c p - ' ) for group frequency analysis. At various times during the last half of the "Audio Course," the ztndent is instructed to turn of? the tape player and interpret one or several of these spectra with the use of the reference spectra and varions lnbles which are available in the hooklet. Aftcr t,hr student has completed his interpretation, Mr. Colthrnp then interprets the specll.a with the student. This technique is very effective. The eollrse conl.ent is gosl-oriented wibhout being vocational. The course wodd most effectively compliment. advanced undergrndnate and introductory graduate courses. Those engaged in t,he training of superior chemical technicians should investigate this course, for i t could well be a valuable addition t o their program The "Andio Course" format is superior to that of the "Film Conme" and in some ways, t o the live Short Course. A department or research group may possess the "Audio Course" far $60, .zpproximstely the same price as t o m t the "Film Comse" (RXO) or to send one of its members to attend the live Short. Course (~70'plusexpenses). For the major portion of the course, Mr. Colthrup's presentalion is even and does not distract 6ne from the content. During the last h o w of the course, the pace is much more rapid and most of the spectral prohlems are presented and solved during this period. One of the five tapes jammed during use. A telephone call t o the 13dueation 1)epartment of ACS brought a3surances that this was an unosual and infrequent problem, and the cassette was replaced withont cost by mail within 36 hr. Anothes ACS "Andio Course" has been reviewed recentlyand ils elnssroom utilizntion evalnated [MCGRATH, hl. G., J. CHI:M. Euua., 49, A102 (1!172)]. This reviewer has had similar experiences. In all, it is a fine cowse in an appropriate format a t a reasonable price. ~
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V. DUFFY NORMAN Kent State Universilv Kent, Ohio
652 / Journal of Chemical Education
Collaborator: R. R. Memifield, Rockefeller University; Teacher Guide by: R. Feinbwg, Rockefeller University; Produced by: Ha7old Mantell Incorporated. Films for the Humanities and Sciences, P.O. Box378, Princeton, X. J. 08540. 16 mm, Color, Sound, 22 min. This is a well integrated film which presents the material indicated by its title and also demonstrates how facts, techniques, and concepts from organic chemistry, biochemistry, and biology can be utilized to develop an approach to t,hesolution af an important scienbific uroblem. The scientific level of the film varies considerahly,'hut students with diverse scientific backgrounds will find this film both interesting and stimulating. Beginning with B description of enzyme structure and the problems encountered in protein synthesis, the film presents the steps necessary t o synthesize peptides and proteins, and briefly shows the laboratory operations for classical peptide synthesis in solution. Solid phase peptide synthesis is then discmsed, and D r . Merrifield describes in detail the automat,ion of the method. The total synthesis of ribonitclease hy the solid phase method, and the methods used t o purify the synthetic protein and to determine its enzymatic activity are presented. The film concludes with a disciusian of the potential uses of the synthetic approach for the study of the structure and function af enayrnes. The film is well organised, the technical content is well presented, and the photography showing l ~ h o r a t o r yoperations is superbly done. However, many of the diagrams and ill~stralions contained an exeeqsive amount of material and were shown with a poor choice of background, making them difficult t o read and follow. On the whole this film is excellent for exposing its viewers t o this area of science and stimulating interest. If this film is to be u.xd a teaching device, however, it should be emphasized bhat i t covers a very large nnmber of techniques and chemical methods. Thus, for maximmn benefit t o the student, these reviewers reeommend that the film he preceded by a discussion of the following: ( I ) Amino acids-their structure and nomenclature; (2) The peptide band and how i t is formed; ( 3 )The m e of blocking groups far the -amino, -carboxyl, and side chain functional groups of amino acids in the synthesis of peptides; (4) The elements of protein stmcture; ( 3 ) A brief introduction t o the basic concepts of enzymology; and 16) A short discussion of isolation, purification, and identification methods used in protein and ensyme ehemistry. The excellent concluding remarks of Dl.. hlerrifield on what can be learned by the synthesis of enzymes and proteins, as well as questions which are likely t o arise in student's minds viewing the film, s h o ~ d dprovide t,he stimulus for a discussion period immediately following viewing. The ten-page teacher's guide which accompanies the film is helpful in preparing for use of the film, hut does contain errors and oversights, e.g., the statement that all (emphasis ours) atoms in an enzyme can be located by X-my analysis, and omission 01 the neotralisntian step in discussing solid phase peptide synthesis. On the whole this is an excellent film and provides a stimnlating look a t a fundamental area of chemistry and biology. For maximum benefit same preparatory diverission should usually precede its use. We highly reeommend this film for showing to students wit,h s. wide variety of backgmmd and training.
XI. L. PECK V. J. HRrrsv Unicersity of Arizona
Tucson
