On picking up this first volume of a new series of books the reader may ask the two questions: (a) why research methods? and (b) why in neurochem istry? The answers to these questions are easy - they more than justify the volumes to come and show the strong need for their existence. It is customary to think of methods as a necessary but unexciting means to an end - to relegate advances in methodology to a minor role in the creative, original portion of advances in science. This is not the case; the pace-setting function of methodology is well illustrated in most areas of neurobiology. To formulate our questions to Nature (which is the essence of experimental design), methodology is needed; to get answers to our ques tions we have to devise yet new methods. The chapters of the present volume fully illustrate how the development of a new method can cut a new path how it can open new fields, just as the microscope founded histology. Heter ogeneity of structures presents a formidable challenge for methodology in the nervous system, yet methods for separating the structures are essential if we ever want to decipher the enigma of functional contribution of the ele ments to the whole. The problem is not only physical separation-clearly methods are essential to study complex structures in situ.

Cell Fractionation by Centrifugation Methods.- - Introduction.- - Homogenization.- - Fractionation methods.- - Analysis of the fractions and interpretation of the results.- - Conclusion.- - References.- Binding of Ligands to Receptors: Theory.- - Introduction.- - Experimental approach to the hormone-receptor interaction.- - Molecular models of receptors.- - Graphical representations of saturation experiments.- - Methodologic errors and graphical representations.- - Conclusion.- - References.- On the Modes of Regulation of Intracellular Cyclic AMP: Desensitization of Adenylyl Cyclases to Hormon.

This volume continues the tradition of SUBCELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY of trying to break down interdisciplinary barriers in the study of cell function and of bringing the reader's attention to less well studied, but nevertheless useful, biological systems. We start with an extensive article by T. P. Karpetsky, M. S. Boguski and C. C. Levy on the structure, properties and possible functions of polyadenylic acid. Apart from revealing a general lack of appreciation of many important aspects of the chemical properties of poly adenylic acid, the literature also shows that there is a great gulf between those who study the biological role of polyadenylic acid. and those who study its physicochemi cal properties. The article by Karpetsky and his colleagues is an attempt to overcome this lack of communication and to present an integrated view of the subject. The authors go into the subject in full detail and the more biologically inclined reader may on occasion have to reread his nucleic acid physical chemistry notes! However, the effort is worthwhile and the article is a timely reminder that we cannot treat nucleic acids as mere abstractions, but that they are complex organic macromolecules capable of equally complex, but nevertheless important, interactions. The next article is by J. Steensgaard and N. P. Hundahl M0ller and deals with computer simulation of density gradient centrifugation systems.

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As a distinct class of macromolecules, viruses are continually being studied in order to determine their properties. Following a knowledge of host-range infectivity, the particle mass-molecular weight of the virus and related properties - including size, shape, sedimentation, and diffusion coefficients - are also important characterizations. In the literature, these values have been determined for many viruses, and a variety of techniques are available by which such properties may be analyzed. Until now, there has been no single source for such information that the interested investigator may consult, and no databases provided this kind of information. CRC Handbook of Viruses: Mass-Molecular Weight Values and Related Properties corrects this deficiency by presenting such data for all classes of viruses; centering on viruses, their molecular weight, and their related properties; and acquainting the investigator to many methods for obtaining the mass-molecular weight value of viruses. This singular study explains the variety of methods available to the researcher as well as provides examples of each method. Molecular weight values are accessed directly from the book, saving the investigator a tedious search through the range of literature. Chapters discuss: Viruses as infectious agents and their role in establishing the relatively new discipline of molecular biology Essential components of viruses, protein, and nucleic acid - considering their discovery, nature, structural organization, and the forming of viruses from nucleoproteins Basic aspects of virus purification, preparative centrifuge, and various purification methods Basic aspects of crystallography, including procedures, x-ray analysis of the viral protein component, the arranging of subunits, and the composition of the intact virus Sedimentation experiments and studies used to obtain molecular weight Sedimentation and diffusion coefficients integral to the basic Svedberg equation Sedimentation equilibrium procedures The new Beckman Optima series of analytical ultracentrifuges Scattering studies, including small angle x-ray, small angle neutron, classical light scattering, and electron microscopy The renaissance of instrumentation in classical light scattering techniques Cold neutron facilities currently being set into operation by government laboratories Sizing and solvation of viruses in solution - their "natural environment" Critical modeling experiments Facilities and instrumentation for molecular weight studies - including the high voltage transmission electron microscope for obtaining mass values of viral inclusion bodies CRC Handbook of Viruses serves the: Researcher seeking values of virus molecular weight and related parameters Investigator getting started in virology and seeking information on physical chemical procedures Student interested in viruses as infectious agents