Cytochromes

Cytochrome c fulfills a central role in biological electron transport. This book draws together information from diverse disciplines in order to provide a common base for further research. The comprehensive treatment of this subject does not neglect to show the diversity of biological respirations and photosyntheses. But it also defines their unifying principles. This overview presents the evolutionary relatedness in bioenergetic systems. Such systems are discussed at the experimental level with emphasis on the interpretation of results and the methodological approaches used. No other text provides a broad survey of this central area of biology. Researchers on cytochrome c are presented with information on the impact and importance of other disciplines on their area of investigation. Advanced students gain a balanced account of biological electron transport and will be encouraged to seek new directions of research.

With contributions by a team of internationally respected scientists, this book provides up-to-date information on the extensively studied cytochrome P450 enzyme in a very accessible manner.

From Cyclotrons to Cytochromes: Essays in Molecular Biology and Chemistry focuses on the uses of the cyclotron and radioactive isotopes in molecular biology and chemistry. The book includes a tribute to Martin Kamen, who played an important role in the development of biochemical sciences in the United States, particularly through his research on the cyclotron. The text also documents research on isotopes carried out at the Radiation Laboratory of the University of California at Berkeley during the 1930s, as well as the role of radioactive carbon in bacterial metabolism and experimental work on cytochromes. This volume is organized into six sections encompassing 54 chapters and begins with an overview of science and technology, and then discusses carbon-14 and its half-life. The next chapters discuss the chemistry and structure of cytochromes; the role of cytochromes and redox systems in photosynthesis; the biological aspects of phosphorylation and oxidation; and protein structure. The book also methodically explains the regulatory mechanisms and miscellaneous metabolic processes such as the metabolism of cyclic nucleotides and related compounds; biological functions of lactate dehydrogenase; and nucleotide excision repair of damaged DNA. The final chapter discusses the deamidation of asparagine and glutamine side chains when incorporated into polypeptide chains, with reference to the role of cryptic amidase active sites in catalyzing the process. This book is a valuable resource for biochemists and molecular biologists.

In the ten years that have elapsed since the first edition of this book went to press, the cytochrome P450 field has completed the transition to a discipline in which structure and mechanism, even regulation and biological function, are dealt with in molecular terms. The twin forces that have propelled this remarkable progress have been the widespread adoption of molecular biological approaches and the successful application of modem structural techniques. Only a few P450 primary sequences were available in 1985, whereas hundreds of P450 sequences are now available. Site-specific mutagenesis was then mostly a proverbial gleam in the eye of the P450 community, but it is now a standard technique in the research repertoire. The first crystal structure of a cytochrome P450 enzyme had just been solved in 1985 and appeared on the cover of the first edition. Today, the high-reso lution crystal structures of four soluble bacterial P450 enzymes are available and the race is on to develop approaches that will permit us to determine the structures of the membrane-bound forms of the enzyme. The past ten years has seen phenomenal progress let us hope that the next ten will prove equally exciting. The book is informally divided into four sections. In order to hold the book close to the advancing front of research, some of the chapter topics from the first edition have been dropped to make room for new or expanded topics.

The most complete and up-to-date survey of this important superfamily of enzymes, including the first ever coverage of the forms involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis. The components of the enzyme system, the reaction mechanisms involved, and the evolution and nomenclature are analyzed, as is the hepatic microsomal enzyme in a large number of species, illustrating the very wide implications for life processes.

Cytochromes c are haemoproteins which carry out electron transfer in a wide variety of biological systems, necessitating different kinds of cytochrome c to fulfill different biological roles. The evolutionary relationship between cytochromes c and their host organisms are described, as well as their structural, spectroscopic and redox properties, including both electron-transfer rates and redox potentials. The treatment is aimed at the non-specialist so that both the techniques described and their application to cytochromes c can be understood. All classes of cytochrome c are dealt with to provide a comprehensive account of the field. No other text provides such a broad survey. Similar to the earlier volume "Cytochromes c: Biological Aspects" which deals with the classification, biosynthesis and biological role of cytochromes c, the present book is aimed at research workers and advanced students.