Biochemistry & molecular biology (4^th Ed.)

Molecular tools and biochemical processes are now central to much of our understanding of the biological and biomedical sciences - from the study of ecological interactions and animal behaviour to the causes and treatment of disease. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is the perfect resource for any student who needs to know the principles of this fascinating subject - whether they are studying biology or biochemistry, biomedical science or nutrition. The book blends the fundamentals of cell biology and biochemistry with the latest advances in genomics and proteomics to give a contemporary, accurate depiction of the field, while always maintaining a wonderful clarity, enriched by carefully layered explanations and vivid illustrations. It is the ideal companion as you explore biochemistry and molecular biology for the first time.

Part 1 Basic concepts of life. 1. The basic molecular themes of life. 2. Cells and viruses. 3. Energy considerations in biochemistry. Part 2 Structure and function of proteins and membranes. 4. The structure of proteins. 5. Methods in protein investigation. 6. Enzymes. 7. The cell membrane and membrane proteins. 8. Muscle contraction, the cytoskeleton, and molecular motors. Part 3 Metabolism. 9. Food digestion, absorption, distribution to the tissues and appetite control. 10. Mechanisms of transport, storage and mobilisation of dietary components. 11. Principles of energy release from food. 12. Glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport system. 13. Energy release from fat. 14. The synthesis of fat and related compounds. 15. Synthesis of glucose (gluconeogenesis). 16. Strategies for metabolic control and their applications to carbohydrate and fat metabolism. 17. Why should there be an alternative pathway of glucose oxidation? The pentose phosphate pathway. 18. Raising electrons of water back up the energy scale - photosynthesis. 19. Amino acid metabolism. 20. Nucleotide synthesis and metabolism. Part 4 Information storage and utilisation. 21. The genome. 22. DNA synthesis, repair and recombination. 23. Gene transcription and control. 24. Protein synthesis and controlled protein breakdown. 25. The RNA world - RNA microgenes and RNA interference. 26. Protein sorting and delivery. 27. Cell signalling. 28. Manipulating DNA and genes. Part 5 Molecular biology in health and disease. 29. Special topics: blood clotting, xenobiotic metabolism, reactive oxygen species. 30. The immune system. 31. The cell cycle and its control. 32. Apoptosis. 33. Cancer.

Difficult concepts are beautifully and uniquely covered with simple analogies to encourage understanding. The discoveries in biochemistry and molecular biology in the last few years have been very exciting and this book is one of the few texts able to convey this excitement with its unique style. se on medically-related courses.