Biochemistry

This text for undergraduate and graduate courses in biochemistry presents material in an ordered fashion, so that students can master the basic chemical structures and functions before encountering more complex molecules and their biological roles. Features of the text include: a substantive introduction that presents the four classes of biomolecules and gives a brief overview/review of thermodynamics and kinetics; an early chapter on cell structure and function from a biochemical perspective; early coverage of enzymes, enzyme kinetics and reaction mechanisms; two chapters that emphasize energetics and interrelationships among metabolic processes, providing a transition from static molecules to the dynamic metabolic pathways of living organisms; comprehensive coverage of molecular biology - including thorough treatment of protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression and a chapter on genomes; the integration of the discussions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems and a presentation of an evolutionary perspective of similarities and differences among organisms; and colour, computer-generated views of molecules, including stereo views (a viewer is provided).