Comparative Biochemistry V6

Comparative Biochemistry: A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume VI: Cells and Organisms focuses on the complex composition of cells and organisms. The book opens with discussions on the biochemistry of morphogenesis. Bacterial germination and sporulation; seed germination; egg development of sea urchins; sporulation of cellular slime mold; and amphibian differentiation are described. The volume looks at the comparative aspects of metabolic control, biochemical basis of chemical needs, biochemistry of insect metamorphosis, and hormones in invertebrates. The text also highlights the presence of protein hormones in vertebrates. The differences between neurohypophyseal and melanocorticotropic hormones are identified. The book ends with discussions on the comparative biochemistry of digestive mechanisms and detoxication. Digestion in special physiological and systematic groups of vertebrates, carnivorous plants, and invertebrates; detoxication and adoption of terrestrial habitat; and the developmental aspects of detoxication are discussed. The book is a good source of data for readers wanting to explore the complex composition of organisms and cells.

Comparative Biochemistry: A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume IV: Constituents of Life — Part B focuses on the distribution, biogenesis, and metabolism of cells and organisms. Composed of various literature, the book first looks at the optical asymmetry of metabolites. The natural occurrence of D-amino acids and L-sugars; significance of purity; optical asymmetry and protein structure; and the relationship of optical asymmetry and cancer are discussed. The text also discusses structural studies on cellulose, starch, and glycogen; biochemistry of lignin formation; structure and localization of nucleic acids; and intraspecific and interspecific variations of protein molecules. The book considers the metabolism of aromatic amino acids, structural and chemical properties of keratin-forming tissues, sclerotization, and blood coagulation. The text further discusses metamorphosis and biochemical adaptation in amphibians. The importance of intrinsic tissue sensitivity in tadpoles; comparative morphological alterations; and the increase in serum albumin and serum protein are considered. The book focuses as well on the structure, distribution, and metabolism of porphyrins, pteridines, and carotenoids. The selection is a good source of data for researchers wanting to study the distribution, biogenesis, and metabolism of cells and organisms.

Advances in Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, Volume 6, presents three papers linked by their relevance to comparative neurophysiology. The first paper on high-frequency hearing in mammals examines the sensitivity to, production, and behavioral utilization of high-frequency sound for a wide range of mammals from bats, rodents, whales, dolphins, and seals to the insectivores, primates, edentates, and carnivores. The second paper examines axonal flow and fast transport in nerves. Special attention is given to the differences in substrate and mechanism in slow and fast transport. The neuron is presented as a suitable cell type for the investigation of intracellular transport in general. The third paper on the secretory activity of neurons and related electrical activity presents a comparative assessment of all ""neurocrine"" activities, including those in the service of neuroendocrine coordination or of synaptic transmission of information. Special attention is given to the nature of vesicles containing the neurosecretions and transmitter substances and to the mechanisms of release. The electrical events accompanying such neurocrine activities are discussed.