Albumin Structure, Function and Uses reviews the many facets of serum albumin, including its history and evolutionary development, structure and function, synthesis, degradation, distribution and transport, and metabolic behavior. The use, misuse, and abuse of albumin in the treatment of disease are also discussed. This book is comprised of 17 chapters and begins with a commentary on how albumin is used, misused, and abused in the treatment of disease such as peptic ulcer, and a description of the real indications for its use. Concepts in albumin purification are then examined, along with the amino acid sequence of serum albumin and some aspects of its structure and conformational properties. Subsequent chapters explore the phylogenetics of albumin; albumin binding sites; clinical implications of drug-albumin interaction; genetics of human serum albumin; and hepatic synthesis of export proteins. Albumin catabolism and intracellular transport are also considered, together with surgical and clinical aspects of albumin metabolism. This monograph should be a useful resource for biochemists and clinicians.

The first of its kind, All About Albumin summarizes the chemistry, genetics, metabolism, clinical implications, and commercial aspects of albumin. It provides the most up-to-date sequences, structures, and compositions of many species, and includes more than 2000 references. - Includes up-to-date sequences, structures, and compositions of many species - Reviews the protein chemistry, genetic control, and metabolism of albumin - Covers medical and cell culture applications in vivo and in vitro, with a section on handling albumin in the laboratory - Presents the relationship of albumin to its superfamily with an updated scheme for their evolution - First complete coverage of all aspects of serum albumin in one volume, with more than 2000 references

Seeds provide more than half of the world's intake of dietary protein and energy and thus are of immense economic, cultural and nutritional importance. Proteins can account for up to 40% of the dry weight of various types of seeds, thereby making a large contribution to the nutritional quality and processing properties of seeds. It is, therefore, not surprising that seed proteins were among the first plant components to be systematically studied, some 250 years ago, and have been a major focus of research over the past 100 years. The properties and behaviour of seed proteins pervade modem life in numerous ways. For example, legume and cereal proteins are used'in the production of a wide range of meat-free foods; the process of bread-making is dep~ndent on the physical chemical properties of wheat seed proteins; and in developed, as well as developing, countries, nutritional deficiencies among vegetarian diets are avoided through balancing legume and cereal seeds as sources of dietary proteins. Understanding seed proteins, in order to improve their composition and properties and to increase their concentrations, will thus continue to be an important research objective for the future. The present volume represents the culmination of a long-discussed plan of the editors, to bring together the best international authorities in order to compile a definitive monograph on biological, biochemical, molecular and genetic aspects of seed proteins.

Albumin is the most abundant serum protein produced by the liver. In clinical practice the serum level of albumin continues to be used as an important marker of the presence, progress or ofthe improvement of many diseases, even though it is the complex end result of synthesis, degradation a. nd distribution between intra- and extravascular space. The clinical history of albumin began as early as in 1837, when Ancell first recognized "albumen" and noted that this protein is needed for trans port functions, for maintaining fluidity of the vascular system and for the prevention of edema. However, the important physiological properties of serum proteins and their role in the regulation ofthe oncotic pressure were demonstrated later by the physiologist E. H. Starling in 1895. In 1917 the clinician A. A. Epstein first described the edema in patients with the nephro tic syndrome as being a result of a very low level of serum albumin. Al though the determination of serum albumin concentration became more popular after Howe in 1921 introduced the technique of separation of serum globulins from albumin by sodium sulfate, the first preparations of human serum albumin were made available for clinical use in only 1941 by the development of plasma fractionation by Cohn and his coworkers at Harvard Medical School.

Advances in Botanical Research publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. Currently in its 76th volume, the series features several reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. - Publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences - Contains commentary by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, and ecology - This volume features reviews of the fast moving field of plant cyclotides

It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. However, the evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop on such topics as, the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function, alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection, the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.