Role of Lysine in catalysing Ester Hydrolysis
RECENTLY, Gero and Withrow1 have cited the catalysis of alkaline triglyceride hydrolysis by lysine as a chemical model of a biological reaction. They postulated a bifunctional2 attack by lysine upon the carbonyl O and C of the ester linkage as the mechanism of this hydrolysis.
Progress in biochemical investigations. I. Nitrogen compounds: 1959
Abstract This review summarizes the developments in the microchemistry of the nitrogen compounds of biological importance for the last year. Included is material which became available last year from foreign sources. Included with these compounds are the proteins. The nitrogen compounds which would come under the heading of vitamins or histochemistry are not included. The aim of the review is to acquaint the reader in a general manner, with newer developments in the field of microchemistry as applied to biological problems, including development in instrumentation. For greater detail the reader is referred to the original references.
Dating of Historical Manuscripts Using Spectrometric Methods: A Mini-Review
An overview is provided of spectrometric methods useful for age estimation of historical manuscripts (medieval ones in particular), in order to confirm their authenticity. Individual methods (infrared and Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, atomic emission spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, and electron scanning microscopy) are discussed and examples of their application described. The following general strategy can be recommended for dating and/or authenticating of historical manuscripts. First of all, the pigment analysis should be carried out using Raman spectroscopy (distinguishing the period and modern pigments), followed by PIXE ink analysis (solving the question of ink homogeneity). Finally, the radiocarbon dating of the writing support, potentially supplemented by the ink dating using scanning Auger microscopy should be performed.