A Desk Reference

✍ Scribed by A.R.B.

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Year: 1975
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 189 KB
• Volume: 15
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0015-7368
• DOI: 10.1016/s0015-7368(75)70978-7

✦ Synopsis

fats, proteins, polysaccharides, enzymes and intermediary metabolisnt. Indeed so commonplace is this sequence that a lay reader could be forgiven for believing that the Almighty himself had followed such a sequence in creating life. The authors of A Guide Book to Biochemistry, however, start by recognizing that macromolecules are characteristic of living tissue and the first section of their book is on the "Structure and Function of Macromolecules".

Initially one might suppose this represents an attempt at running before having learnt to walk. However, our guides in a remarkably simple and clear manner rapidly introduce us to the complexity of "big" molecules, mainly proteins, and the forces involved in maintaining their structure. From structure, function follows, and in particular the extraordinary manner in which proteins can bind to other molecules by adopting a specific shape is emphasized. Which leads naturally on to considering enzymes.

The second section of the book deals in adequate detail with "Intermediary Metabolism", but perhaps surprisingly ends with considering amino-acid metabolism. The reason behind this unusual sequence is that the authors wish to emphasize again their role in the synthesis of macromolecules, which leads to Section 3 of the book, entitled "Molecular Genetics and Protein Synthesis".

So we end the book as we began, considering the structure and function of macromolecules.

The authors express the hope that the readers will then go back to the beginning and read it again. The paperback edition at A1.00 represents good value for an interesting and unusual introduction to biochemistry.