DNA, RNA and proteins are undoubtedly the most important biological molecules. Being large macromolecules, their physical, chemical and biological properties can differ from those of the monomers from which they are made. This book describes their structures, origins and other key issues.

The first chapter is a general introduction to the covalent structures and conformations of macromolecules. The remaining chapters deal with the nucleic acids. The structural and chemical properties of DNA are the basis of its central role in storing and transmitting the genetic information(Chapter 2). DNA molecules tend to be immensely long, equivalent to a rope that is many kilometers long, which gives them special topological properties that must be accommodated (Chapter 3). The structure of RNA differs from DNA only very slightly, but this gives it remarkably different properties and functions (Chapter 4). The abilities of individual strands of DNA and RNA to base-pair with other strands with complementary nucleotide sequences are central to many techniques of molecular biology and increasingly to molecular medicine (Chapter 5). The ability to manipulate nucleic acidsis central to molecular biology and described in Chapter 6.Central to the functions of proteins and nucleic acids is their interactions with other molecules, and some of the physiologically most important interactions are those between proteins and nucleic acids (Chapter 7). The most impressive and important property of proteins is their ability of catalyze the rates of chemical reactions by many orders of magnitude, and usually incredibly specifically; nucleic acids also share in this ability (Chapter 8).

The first of its kind, Introduction to Biophysical Methods for Protein and Nucleic Acid Research serves as a text for the experienced researcher and student requiring an introduction to the field. Each chapter presents a description of the physical basis of the method, the type of information that may be obtained with the method, how data should be analyzed and interpreted and, where appropriate, practical tips about procedures and equipment. Key Features* Modern Use of Mass Spectroscopy* NMR Spectroscopy* Molecular Modeling and Graphics* Macintosh and DOS/Windows 3.x disks

The structure, function and reactions of nucleic acids are central to molecular biology and are crucial for the understanding of complex biological processes involved. Revised and updated Nucleic Acids in Chemistry and Biology 3rd Edition discusses in detail, both the chemistry and biology of nucleic acids and brings RNA into parity with DNA. Written by leading experts, with extensive teaching experience, this new edition provides some updated and expanded coverage of nucleic acid chemistry, reactions and interactions with proteins and drugs. A brief history of the discovery of nucleic acids is followed by a molecularly based introduction to the structure and biological roles of DNA and RNA. Key chapters are devoted to the chemical synthesis of nucleosides and nucleotides, oligonucleotides and their analogues and to analytical techniques applied to nucleic acids. The text is supported by an extensive list of references, making it a definitive reference source. This authoritative book presents topics in an integrated manner and readable style. It is ideal for graduate and undergraduates students of chemistry and biochemistry, as well as new researchers to the field.

The book is structured in nine sections, each containing several chapters. The volume starts with an overview of analytical techniques and progresses through purification of proteins; protein modification and inactivation; protein size, shape, and structure; enzyme kinetics; protein-ligand interactions; industrial enzymology; and laboratory quality control. The book is targeted at all scientists interested in protein research.

Methodicum Chimicum, Volume 11: Natural Compounds, Part 1: Nucleic acids, Proteins and Carbohydrates is devoted to the methods of structural determinations and syntheses of natural products. This text contains four chapters that include a short discussion of the principles of well-proved analytic procedures. It primarily describes the chemistry and biochemistry of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Other general topics covered include the components, chemical synthesis, sequences, primary structure, and classification of these macromolecules. This book is of value to chemists and scientists who works in associated areas, including medicine.

Proteins are central to all living systems and are described in this title. The first chapter describes the chemical properties of polypeptide chains and the implications of their covalent structures (Chapter 1). The conformational properties of polypeptides determine the structures that proteins can adopt (Chapter 2), to produce three-dimensional structures of incredible diversity and amazing functional properties (Chapter 3). Proteins in solution have very important dynamic properties that are crucial for their biological activities (Chapter 4). They also have a propensity to lose their folded structures and unfold, and how proteins do this and how they manageto fold to their native three-dimensional structure remains a major question (Chapter 5). The final three chapters describe the most fundamental functional properties of proteins. Central is their interactions with other molecules (Chapter 6). The most impressive and important property of proteins is their ability of catalyze the rates of chemical reactions by many orders of magnitude, and usually incredibly specifically (Chapter 7). Such potent chemical capabilities must be controlled very closely (Chapter 8).