John Gill

The ecology of flat periwinkles

An account of a research project carried out initially by Robert Ramsay and Simon Smith, students at Longsands School, and continued by John Gill, a biology master at the school.

Rennin--a Neglected Enzyme?.

The substrate specificity, pH, concentration, and temperature relations of rennin can readily be investigated with only inexpensive commercial rennet and basic laboratory equipment

A study of germination inhibition in fruits

The procedure described here for the extraction and bioassay of natural germination inhibitors, requires only inexpensive equipment and minimal experimental skill. The method has been successfully used to demonstrate germination inhibition in a qualitative manner and to provide a framework for quantitative investigations

A simplified experimental scheme for the study mitosis

A procedure is described for providing preparations of dividing cells from root apical meristems, requiring only inexpensive equipment and minimal experimental skill. 8-Hydroxyquinoline is used instead of the more common colchicine, and Toluidene-blue is used as a chromosome stain. The method has been successfully tested in schools and also yields permanent preparations of adequate quality for university use.

The Biology of Ageing in Leaves.

Deciduous leaves undergo changes in their photosynthetic pigment and carbohydrate content prior to abscission. The progress of these events may be followed using straightforward laboratory procedures. The results obtained enable the events of leaf senescence to be correlated with the carbohydrate economy of a tree in autumn

A study of germination inhibitor levels in tomatoes during a period of post-harvest storage

Germination inhibitor levels in tomato epicarp fall during post-harvest storage. Quantitative estimates of the inhibitor level may be made as the fruit ages, revealing an interesting mechanism of germination control

Audio Visual Reviews

Care of small mammals in schools A 20-minule video produced by the RSPCA accompanied by the RSPCA manual Small mammals in schools and a workbook. Available from RSPCA, The Causeway, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1HG. Price £18.00 (inc. VAT andp dp). Reviewed by Adrian Twiner A place for wildlife A 17 minute VHS video made by the Kent Trust for Nature Conservation for the Kent County Council Education Department, in 1987. Introduced by Sir David Attenborough and narrated by Jim Flegg and Hilary Thomas. Available from Kent Educational Television Centre, Fred Martin Studio, Barton Road, Dover, Kent CT16 2ND. Price £17.25 (inc. VAT). Reviewed by Anne Bacon Acid from the sky 44-minute film produced by the Central Electricity Generating Board. Available from CEGB Film and Video Library, Viscom Ltd, Parkhall Road Trading Estate, London SE21 8EL (01-761-3035). Supplied on free loan or for purchase on 16 mm film (£500.12) or video (VHS and Beta, £13.23, or Umatic £31.63). Prices include VAT. Reviewed by John Gill, Ter...

A review of techniques for the experimental study of mitosis

Various techniques have been developed to prepare tissue in either thin sections or squashes and to stain the chromosomes in order to make their appearance and behaviour more easy to see. These techniques are assessed in the light of the facilities, time, and operator skill required for their execution. A new technique is suggested which provides quality squash preparations suitable for the majority of purposes up to university level, yet requires a minimum of preparation time or skill, and is inexpensive.

The ecology of juvenile flat periwinkles

Juvenile Littorina live lower on the shore than adults of the same species, and they occupy distinct ecological niches. On Fucus serratus the juveniles live on the abaxial surface of submerged fronds, where the smaller ones resemble the surface protuberances. On F. vesiculosus they live in damaged air bladders on emersed fronds.