This book describes cellular level sensors that act as switches, turning on gene expression and other metabolic processes necessary for cell survival and differentiation. These responses can also initiate programmed cell death or activate latent human immunodeficiency virus or animal leukemia viruses. These redox sensors are nonspecific in sensitivity but specific in response. Unlike ligand/antiligand-type specific sensors, they respond to ionizing and ultraviolet radiations, pH gradients, heat, light, electric and magnetic fields, redox chemicals, mechanical stress, and other nonspecific stressors. The sensors are type-b cytochromes, including NADPH oxidases, NO synthases, and nitrogen oxide reductases. The intense radiation of early pre-biotic earth may have been the evolutionary driving force for the development of their common ancestor.

Biochemistry: The Chemical Reactions of Living Cells is a well-integrated, up-to-date reference for basic biochemistry, associated chemistry, and underlying biological phenomena. Biochemistry is a comprehensive account of the chemical basis of life, describing the amazingly complex structures of the compounds that make up cells, the forces that hold them together, and the chemical reactions that allow for recognition, signaling, and movement. This book contains information on the human body, its genome, and the action of muscles, eyes, and the brain. It also features: thousands of literature references that provide introduction to current research as well as historical background; twice the number of chapters of the first edition; and each chapter contains boxes of information on topics of general interest. -- Publisher description.

This Handbook on Metalloproteins focuses on the available structural information of proteins and their metal ion coordination spheres. It centers on the metal ions indispensable for life but also considers metal ions used as substitution probes in studies of metalloproteins. Emphasizing the structure-function relationship, the book covers the common and distinct characterstics of metallo- enzymes, proteins, and amino acids bonded to copper, zinc, iron, and more.