Modern Physical Methods in Biochemistry, Part A

This volume completes the account of physical methods used in biochemistry that was covered in Volume 11A, which was published in 1985. It deals with fast reaction methods, high performance liquid chromatography of peptides and proteins, fluorescence spectroscopy, neutron and X-ray scattering techniques, and also Raman and resonance spectroscopy which have in recent years been used to an increasing extent in biochemistry. This addition to the invaluable series New Comprehensive Biochemistry will be of interest to all those working in the fields of biochemistry and biophysics.

This book provides up-to-date coverage at an advanced level of a range of topics in the biochemistry and molecular biology of plant hormones, with particular emphasis on biosynthesis, metabolism and mechanisms of action. Each contribution is written by acknowledged experts in the field, providing definitive coverage of the field. No other modern book covers this subject matter at such an advanced level so comprehensively. It will be invaluable to university libraries and scientists in the plant biotechnology industries.

The aim of this book is to show how supramolecular complexity of cell organization can dramatically alter the functions of individual macromolecules within a cell. The emergence of new functions which appear as a consequence of supramolecular complexity, is explained in terms of physical chemistry. The book is interdisciplinary, at the border between cell biochemistry, physics and physical chemistry. This interdisciplinarity does not result in the use of physical techniques but from the use of physical concepts to study biological problems. In the domain of complexity studies, most works are purely theoretical or based on computer simulation. The present book is partly theoretical, partly experimental and theory is always based on experimental results. Moreover, the book encompasses in a unified manner the dynamic aspects of many different biological fields ranging from dynamics to pattern emergence in a young embryo. The volume puts emphasis on dynamic physical studies of biological events. It also develops, in a unified perspective, this new interdisciplinary approach of various important problems of cell biology and chemistry, ranging from enzyme dynamics to pattern formation during embryo development, thus paving the way to what may become a central issue of future biology.

Non-Animal Techniques in Biomedical and Behavioral Research and Testing features the contributions of noted experts describing the application of non-animal methods in a wide variety of research and testing situations, including computer modeling/graphics, protein sequence analysis, behavioral analysis, drug design/testing, cosmetic and household products testing, toxicological testing, clinical testing, chemical identification and analysis, and disease investigations. Many of the alternatives covered have applications in behavioral as well as biomedical research and testing. Topics examined include in vitro techniques, molecular genetics, structure-activity relationships, physicochemical methods, computer-assisted drug designs, nutrition, epidemiology, autopsies, neural networks, ethology, image scanning devices, and medical microbiology. Future applications for non-animal methods are also explored. The book will appeal to toxicologists, pharmacologists, cosmetic and household product researchers, epidemiologists, medical microbiologists, biopsychiatrists, biomedical and psychological educators, biochemists, molecular geneticists, and other scientists interested in alternative testing methods.

Leading authorities examine the possible role of brain lipids in the development of conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's disease and personality disorders and violence. A better understanding of the underlying causes of these debilitating medical disorders is of utmost importance and may contribute towards a means of prevention, amelioration and cure. The book is intended to stimulate further interest and lead to increased research in this important development area.

The first edition of this book was published in 1985. The content of the 4th edition reflects the enormous advances that have occurred since that time in the field of lipid biochemistry. This publication is unique in that it represents a bridge between the superficial coverage of the lipid field found in basic biochemistry text books and the highly specialized material contained in scientific review articles and monographs. The book is not a collection of exhaustive reviews, but a current and readable summary of diverse aspects of lipids. It is intended as an advanced and up-to-date textbook for teachers and students who are familiar with the basic concepts of lipid biochemistry and will also serve as a general reference book for scientists studying lipids, lipoproteins and membranes.