Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/Questions
| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
| Why does Gorilla Glue expand? | 11/7/2011 | Dr. Jeffery Raymond |
| Q: So when you use gorilla glue, moisture has to be applied so that it foams and "fills cracks", thus ... A: The atmospheric or liquid moisture promotes the decarboxylation (CO2) component of the urethane ... | ||
| food test | 11/6/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: how do we test for lipids in a food substrate? A: I'm not sure what materials and testing equipment you have access to, or if your substrate is solid, ... | ||
| Cell's vesicular transports | 10/24/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I am a medical student (first year), and have a question about the cell's vesicular transports. We ... A: You're in for a lot of work without books. I suggest you get to know these web sites well. ... | ||
| average atomic mass | 10/20/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I am trying to calculate the present in 1.35g of Silver, Ag. I know you have to use the atomic mass ... A: Greetings Shannon! I'm guessing you need the 'percent' of silver in 1.35 g. This sounds like an ... | ||
| Activation energy | 10/18/2011 | Dr. Jeffery Raymond |
| Q: I am an Italian with a study curriculum in humanities who is trying to remediate his ignorance in ... A: In general, yes. There are 3 typical energy quanta that can effect this. Rotational energy is ... | ||
| Pheromones | 10/9/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: There is a store that advertises that they sell pheromones. They advertise that using pheromones, ... A: Hola Leonardo! The honest truth is that we have not found a human pheromone that will make a man ... | ||
| Why does my Prussian Blue test not work for apricot stones? | 10/8/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: Apricot stones are said to contain hydrogen cyanide, so in theory a Prussian Blue test should work ... A: Greetings Klaus! In classical preparations of Prussian Blue the reaction is apparently run under ... | ||
| school project in chemistry | 10/5/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: hey, I'm an 11th grade student and I'm doing this project in my chemistry class that requires me to ... A: So you want to describe a chemical reaction that helps humans healthwise? I can link you to a ... | ||
| chemistry | 10/4/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: Sir, Can I mix 50kg of 98% phosphoric acid into 100kg of 98% sulphuric acid? Is there any problem, ... A: Both those compounds are highly acidic and corrosive on their own. I'd be careful handling them. I ... | ||
| Maximum Life Span of Animals, Fishes and Birds. | 10/3/2011 | Dr. Jeffery Raymond |
| Q: I want to know the fundamental base reason for why Maximum Life span of Animals, Fishes, Birds vary ... A: You will need to look up the gestation period, time to maturity and metabolism info (heart rate is a ... | ||
| Maximum Life Span of Animals, Fishes and Birds. | 10/3/2011 | Dr. Jeffery Raymond |
| Q: I want to know the fundamental base reason for why Maximum Life span of Animals, Fishes, Birds vary ... A: There are "age markers" at the end of chromosomes that are clipped every time a cell divides. This ... | ||
| chemical | 9/18/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: what chemical changes are found when green chilli is fried n it becomes harmful to health? A: As far as I know, deep frying green chilis does not produce compounds that are harmful to health. ... | ||
| Chemistry | 9/9/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: In a bottle boiled water is poured. An iron nail is also put. After 5 days it is taken. What will ... A: Greetings! Boiled purified water in a closed container has near-neutral pH. If there are no other ... | ||
| Sodium Bicarbonate mouthrinse ever acidic? | 9/8/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: Can sodium bicarbonate mixed with water ever be an acidic solution? I have acid erosion damage to my ... A: You and your dentist are both right, which may be helpful, less than helpful, and irritating by ... | ||
| Just had surgery two days prior of taking a etg urine test and failed. Why? | 9/7/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: So I broke my leg and had surgery on it. Two days later I got popped with a etg urine test and ... A: According to this web site: http://alcoholism.about.com/od/work/a/etg.htm There are a bunch of ... | ||
| Science Fair Advice | 8/27/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: Can you please give ideas to "bump" up this project idea to a senior level project? It is for a ... A: Apologies for being out of town! The best advice I have: Science is collaborative. The best ... | ||
| Breathlyzer | 8/26/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I was reviewing the following article on breathlyzers and how they work: ... A: I was travelling and forgot to put myself on vacation. d'oh! Alcohol does diffuse across the ... | ||
| burning | 8/23/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: What makes things burn..I know that oxygen is needed and a combustible material...but what is a ... A: Heat and oxygen are necessary for combustion reactions. http://pslc.ws/fire/howwhy/howtri.htm ... | ||
| proteins | 8/19/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: .. how can I represent in a 2d or 3d model the levels of protein structure? showing the birth, ... A: Have you tried a basic biochemistry book, like Garrett and Grisham? Most of them have CD's in the ... | ||
| Effects of heat on polymers..... | 8/2/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: What effects would high temepraturs (like 300 to 1000 degrees) have on poly(styrene-co-butadiene) or ... A: I'm really sorry; I went to a conference and forgot to set myself to 'vacation mode'. Please follow ... | ||
| Indian rupee currency (paper based and metal forms) - Glass New Media Form ? | 7/31/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: Can we use Glass as a media form for future manufacturing of Indian Rupee Currencies and other ... A: Disclaimer: I'm not a materials scientist. I'm a biochemist. :) You might want to find an expert in ... | ||
| Balancing redox equations | 7/30/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I was looking up how to balance redox equations when I came across this example: H2O2 (aq) + PbS(s) ... A: When I looked at your balanced chemical reaction initially, my first thought was 'Neat. Guess lead ... | ||
| Indian rupee currency (paper based and metal forms) - Glass New Media Form ? | 7/28/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: Can we use Glass as a media form for future manufacturing of Indian Rupee Currencies and other ... A: I don't see why you couldn't use a glass-type material. The challenge would be to fashion a polymer ... | ||
| Reducing Molarity | 7/19/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I found a reducing molarity formula from the internet but I'm not sure if it's correct or not. How ... A: Greetings! An equation you'll use over and over in chemistry labs is this one. C1V1=C2V2 or ... | ||
| Paint! | 7/9/2011 | Dr. Jeffery Raymond |
| Q: I have a fairly strange question and I am not sure it is your area of expertise but here goes. Is ... A: I'm not a paint expert but I am a films and polymer buff... so here goes The UV/Blacklight route - ... | ||
| Acid/Base Theories | 7/8/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: Our chemistry teacher has told our class to read about acid/base theories on the internet. However, ... A: All of them. All acids in solution alter this fundamental equation 2 H20 --> H3O- + OH+ An ... | ||
| cohesion | 7/5/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: The cohesion is the force of attraction that holds molecules of a given substance together. It is ... A: Actually, cohesion is for same-molecule substances, while adhesion is for heterogenous mixtures. ... | ||
| magnesium sulfate as chelator | 7/4/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I want to know if magnesium sulfate has chelating properties. Can it be used for example to ... A: A chelator is a molecule that forms multiple interactions with a metal ion. Chelators are handy in ... | ||
| Matter | 7/1/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: well this is my assignment BUT i just wanted to vertify my answers which are: Matter, Heterogeneous, ... A: Matter is correct. The next row are three states of matter, so you might need to work on your other ... | ||
| Gene expression vs. cellular activity | 6/28/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I am a novice at biochemistry, but could you explain to me the difference between cell activity that ... A: You don't believe in asking uncomplicated questions, do you? ;) While a human cell has all the same ... | ||
| combining elements | 6/23/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: what would happen if you combine helium and sulfur hexafluride at a molecular level? would the ... A: As far as I know, both helium and sulfur hexafluoride are inert when it comes to chemical ... | ||
| homework help (not asking for answer) | 6/19/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I have aYou were given 3 samples of rusty iron nail. Rust is hydrated iron (III) oxide. You were ... A: Another expert may be able to help you better. However, here is my thinking. What would dissolve ... | ||
| Gene expression vs. cellular activity | 6/17/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I am a novice at biochemistry, but could you explain to me the difference between cell activity that ... A: Yes, genetic information doesn't need referencing until you need gene product. There are some ... | ||
| Gene expression vs. cellular activity | 6/17/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I am a novice at biochemistry, but could you explain to me the difference between cell activity that ... A: Scientists love very precise language. This can be frustrating to get a handle on, as the scientific ... | ||
| question about elements | 6/12/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I heard on national public radio that two new elements were discovered, but both "decayed" quickly. ... A: A chemical element is a pure substance comprised of atoms that all have the same number of protons. ... | ||
| Biology of Belief | 6/11/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I am reading a book called the "Biology of Belief" by Bruce Lipton. He has suggested a few things ... A: I've not read this book, and sadly have too many committments to read it now. So please take these ... | ||
| co valent bond | 6/6/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: This is probably a very dumb question but I have never been able to figure out whether the atom ... A: Well, when two atoms share a bond, the nucleii move to the closest distance they can 'stand' to be ... | ||
| Ref: question | 5/18/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: Good day How does a seed tranform into a plant and what is it in nature that causes this? Also how ... A: G'day! Well, humans regularly transform solar energy at a low efficiency level by eating food. ... | ||
| homework help (not asking for answer) | 5/17/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I have aYou were given 3 samples of rusty iron nail. Rust is hydrated iron (III) oxide. You were ... A: You certainly could, though you might find looking over the chapter on titrations and/or molar ... | ||
| Genetic question | 5/12/2011 | Trista Robichaud, PhD |
| Q: I know there are genes that control the corneocyte adhesions in the outer and inner root sheath of ... A: I doubt there's one gene in development that controls corneocyte adheseion; usually development ... | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Trista Robichaud, PhD
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
No homework questions, especially ones copied and pasted from textbooks. I will answer questions about principles or give hints, but I do not do other's homework. I'm comfortable answering basic biochemistry, chemistry, and biology questions up to and including an undergraduate level of understanding. This includes molecular biology, protein purification, and genetics. My training/inclination is primarily in structural biology, or how the shapes of things affect their function. Other interests include protein design, protein engineering, enzyme kinetics, and metabolic diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. My chemistry weaknesses are that I do not know organic or inorganic synthesis well, nor am I familiar with advanced inorganic reactions. I will attempt quantum mechanics and thermodynamics questions, but primarily as they relate to biological systems. Furthermore, I cannot tell you if a skin photograph is cancerous, or otherwise diagnose any disease. I can tell you how we currently understand the basic science behind a disease state, but I cannot recommend treatment in any way. Please direct such questions to your medical professional.
Experience
I hold a PhD in Biomedical Science from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. I specialize in Biochemistry, with a focus on protein chemistry. My thesis work involved the structure and functions of the human glucose transporter 1. (hGLUT1) Currently I am a postdoc working in peptide (mini-protein) design and enzymology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. I am in Bjorn Steffensen's lab (PhD, DDS), studying gelatinase A and oral carcinoma.
Organizations
2001 American Association for the Advancement of Science
2007 American Chemical Society
2007 Protein Society
2011 UTHSCSA Women’s Faculty Association
Publications
Levine KB, Robichaud TK, Hamill S, Sultzman LA, Carruthers A. Properties of the human erythrocyte glucose transport protein are determined by cellular context. Biochemistry 44(15):5606-16, 2005. (PMID 15823019)
Robichaud TK, Appleyard AN, Herbert RB, Henderson PJ, Carruthers A “Determinants of ligand binding affinity and cooperativity at the GLUT1 endofacial site” Biochemistry 50(15):3137-48, 2011. (PMID 21384913)
Xu X, Mikhailova M, Chen Z, Pal S, Robichaud TK, Lafer EM, Baber S, Steffensen B. “Peptide from the C-terminal domain of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) inhibits membrane activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2)” Matrix Biol. 2011 Sep;30(7-8):404-12. (PMID: 21839835)
Robichaud TK, Steffensen B, Fields GB. Exosite interactions impact matrix metalloproteinase collagen specificities. J Biol Chem. 2011 Oct 28;286(43):37535-42 (PMID: 21896477)
Poster Abstracts:
Robichaud TK, Carruthers. A "Mutagenesis of the Human type 1 glucose transporter exit site: A functional study." ACS 234th Meeting, Boston MA. Division of Biological Chemistry, 2007
Robichaud TK, Bhowmick M, Tokmina-Roszyk D, Fields GB “Synthesis and Analysis of MT1-MMP Peptide Inhibitors” Biological Chemistry Division of the Protein Society Meeting, San Diego CA 2010
Robichaud TK; Tokmina-Roszyk D; Steffensen B and Fields GB “Catalytic Domain Exosites Contribute to Determining Matrix Metalloproteinase Triple Helical Collagen Specificities” Dental Science Symposium. UTHSCSA 2011
Robichaud TK; Tokmina-Roszyk D; Steffensen B and Fields GB “Exosite Interactions Determine Matrix Metalloproteinase Specificities” Gordon Research Conference on Matrix Metalloproteinase Biology, Bristol RI 2011
Education/Credentials
Oakland University, Auburn Hills MI BS, Biochemistry 1998
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester MA PhD, Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology 2001-2008
University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio TX Postdoc, Biochemistry 2009-Present
Awards and Honors
1998 Honors College Graduate, Oakland University
2009 Institutional National Research Service Award, Pathobiology of Occlusive Vascular Disease T32 HL07446
2011 1st Place, Best Postdoctoral Poster, Dental Science Symposium, UTHSCSA, April 2011
Past/Present Clients
Invited Seminars:
Robichaud TK, Fields GB. “Synthesis and Analysis of MTI-MMP Triple Helical Peptide Inhibitors” Pathology Research Conference, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Pathology Department (June 18th, 2010)
Robichaud TK & Hill, B “How To Give A Great Scientific Talk” Invited Lecture, Pathobiology of Occlusive Vascular Disease Seminars, UTHSCSA (Nov 11th 2010), Cardiology Seminar Series, Texas Research Park (Feb 21st, 2011)
Robichaud TK; Tokmina-Roszyk D; Steffensen B and Fields GB “Exosite Interactions Determine Matrix Metalloproteinase Specificities” Gordon-Keenan Research Seminar “Everything You Wanted to Know About Matrix Metalloproteinases But Were Afraid to Ask” Bristol, RI (Aug 6th, 2011)
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