Principles And Techniques Of Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

Uniquely integrates the theory and practice of key experimental techniques for bioscience undergraduates. Now includes drug discovery and clinical biochemistry.

A major update of a best-selling textbook that introduces students to the key experimental and analytical techniques underpinning life science research.

Biochemistry is a sub-discipline of both chemistry and biology that delves into the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. It deals with the structures, interactions and functions of biological macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. It is divided into metabolism, molecular genetics and protein science. Biochemistry and molecular biology are closely related to each other. The field of study that is concerned with the molecular basis of biological activity between biomolecules in the various systems of a cell is called molecular biology. This includes the interactions between RNA, DNA, proteins and their biosynthesis, as well as the regulation of these interactions. Microarrays, gel electrophoresis, macromolecule blotting and probing, polymerase chain reaction and molecular cloning are some of the techniques used in this field. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the principles and techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology. From theories to research to practical applications, case studies related to all contemporary topics of relevance have been included in it. This book includes contributions of experts and scientists, which will provide the readers with innovative insights into these fields.

New edition of biochemistry textbook which introduces principles and techniques used in undergraduate practical classes.

Analytical methods are the essential enabling tools of the modern biosciences. This book presents a comprehensive introduction into these analytical methods, including their physical and chemical backgrounds, as well as a discussion of the strengths and weakness of each method. It covers all major techniques for the determination and experimental analysis of biological macromolecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. The presentation includes frequent cross-references in order to highlight the many connections between different techniques. The book provides a bird's eye view of the entire subject and enables the reader to select the most appropriate method for any given bioanalytical challenge. This makes the book a handy resource for students and researchers in setting up and evaluating experimental research. The depth of the analysis and the comprehensive nature of the coverage mean that there is also a great deal of new material, even for experienced experimentalists. The following techniques are covered in detail: - Purification and determination of proteins - Measuring enzymatic activity - Microcalorimetry - Immunoassays, affinity chromatography and other immunological methods - Cross-linking, cleavage, and chemical modification of proteins - Light microscopy, electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy - Chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques - Protein sequence and composition analysis - Mass spectrometry methods - Measuring protein-protein interactions - Biosensors - NMR and EPR of biomolecules - Electron microscopy and X-ray structure analysis - Carbohydrate and lipid analysis - Analysis of posttranslational modifications - Isolation and determination of nucleic acids - DNA hybridization techniques - Polymerase chain reaction techniques - Protein sequence and composition analysis - DNA sequence and epigenetic modification analysis - Analysis of protein-nucleic acid interactions - Analysis of sequence data - Proteomics, metabolomics, peptidomics and toponomics - Chemical biology

Advances in biochemistry now allow us to control living systems in ways that were undreamt of a decade ago. This volume guides researchers and students through the full spectrum of experimental protocols used in biochemistry, plant biology and biotechnology.

This book presents key methodologies, tools and databases for biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology in simple and straightforward language. Covering all aspects related to experimental principles and procedures, the protocols included here are brief and clearly defined, and include essential precautions to be taken while conducting experiments. The book is divided into two major sections: one on constructing, working with, and standard operating procedures for laboratory instruments; and one on practical procedures used in molecular biology, microbiology and biochemical analysis experiments, which are described in full. Each chapter describes both the basic theory and relevant practical details for a given experiment, and helps readers recognize both the experiment’s potential and limitations. Intended as an intensive introduction to the various tools used in molecular biology, the book covers all basic methods and equipment, including cloning, PCR, spectrophotometers, ELISA readers, sonicators, etc. As such, it offers a valuable asset for final year undergraduate (especially project) students, graduate research students, research scientists and technicians who wish to understand and employ new techniques in the field of biotechnology.

"As will be seen, there is not much missing here. I thought that the sections were well balanced, with rarely too much or too little on a given topic...This is a text to be welcomed by both teachers and students." BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION (on the first edition) The second edition of this successful textbook explains the basic principles behind the key techniques currently used in the modern biochemical laboratory and describes the pros and cons of each technique and compares one to another. It is non-mathematical, comprehensive and approachable for students who are not physical chemists. A major update of this comprehensive, accessible introduction to physical biochemistry. Includes two new chapters on proteomics and bioinformatics. Introduces experimental approaches with a minimum of mathematics and numerous practical examples. Provides a bibliography at the end of each chapter. Written by an author with many years teaching and research experience, this text is a must-have for students of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular and life sciences and food science.