Biochemistry Books

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Book SynopsisAnchorage of a subset of cell surface proteins in eukaryotic cells from yeast to mammals is mediated by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol moiety covalently attached to the carboxy-terminus of the protein moiety. Experimental evidence for the potential of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-AP) of being released from cells into the extracellular environment has been accumulating, which involves either the loss or retention of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. The structural and morphological diversity of the configurations of released GPI-AP is reflected in the multitude of different structures and molecular mechanisms underlying the release. Release of the GPI-AP may occur in a spontaneous fashion or be regulated by certain endogeneous or exogeneous signals, or environmental stimuli. The putative functional and (patho)physiological implications of the diverse modes of GPI-AP release are presented with an emphasis on the structures and configurations involved as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, the potential relevance of GPI-AP release as innovative biomarkers for disease prediction, diagnosis and stratification as well as novel vehicles for drug delivery are discussed. Moreover, the mere description of the release of GPI-AP from cells using modern instrumentation in the absence of any knowledge about the underlying causal (molecular) mechanisms may be regarded as an example for so-called hermeneutic phenomenology within molecular life sciences. The three-step study procedure should be based on a known, minimal and carefully considered bias rather than on a strong working hypothesis. This study should lead to a mere database rather than to a narrative justification of the experimentation as well as to a subsequent minimal interpretation of the database rather than on causal mechanistic explanations and speculative working models, which are typically presented in scientific publications. Thus, the book does not only represent a state-of-the-art compendium about the biology and (patho)physiology of GPI-AP, in general, and their cellular release including potential biomedical and biotechnological applications, in particular, but also introduces a novel concept for molecular life science research. The final goal of hermeneutic phenomenology represents the careful, respectful and cautious path from the pure description of the life phenomenon of interest to its meaning. Since research about GPI-AP involves a multitude of disciplines, this book will be of interest to biochemists, cell biologists, structural biologists, molecular biologists, geneticists, pharmacologists and medicinal chemists as well as to those researchers found at the interface between natural sciences (biology) and human sciences (philosophy). The author hopes that this book may stimulate a transdisciplinary exchange between them.

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Book SynopsisThis book describes an overview of essential oils in its first section, describing the main genera of plants used for essential oils production and explaining their genetic polymorphisms that might have an impact on the biosynthesis of these phytochemicals. Also, this book reviews the most relevant background on traditional and emerging extractive technologies, as well as the effect of post-harvest management practices for optimum extraction. In the second section of this book, the main applications of essential oils are described, related to their biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also explains how these properties can be applied in the cosmetics, food, medicinal and agronomical fields. Specific applications of essential oils on diseases related to the skin, digestive, immune, respiratory and nervous systems, including some examples of essential oils and their applications are analyzed as well.

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Book SynopsisLignin is the main natural resource of aromatic structures on Earth. With the depletion of fossil oil and increased environmental concerns, renewable resources for energy and chemical production have attracted tremendous attention from scientists and engineers. As a renewable aromatic polymer, lignin has been, for a long time, studied in terms of its biosynthesis, structures, reactivities and applications although few portions of lignins available from the industry, mainly pulping mills, have been utilised for various applications. The key for complete and efficient utilisation of lignins is that all aspects, including lignin biosynthesis, structures, functionalities, and properties, about lignins should be understood. Another important attribute related to lignin utilisation comes from analytical methods essential for our understanding of lignins and mechanisms involved in various processes. This book provides critical reviews and the latest research results relating to selected fields of lignin biosynthesis, functional characterisation and applications.

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Book SynopsisIn response to various environmental cues and cellular stress, cells need to modify their protein expression pattern for proper cell functioning. The cell experiences diverse cellular stress as oxidative, genotoxic, and etc. The damage of the genome by certain chemicals or agents affects the cell integrity and leads to genotoxic stress. As such, this compilation discusses how different cellular stresses affect the polyadenylation process and modulate the polyadenylation machinery. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation plays an important role in oocyte maturation, mitotic cell cycle progression, cellular senescence and synaptic plasticity. Poly(A) tails can be elongated post-transcriptionally by noncanonical poly(A) polymerases, which can impact cells with limited transcriptional activity. A recent study is discussed wherein it is shown that that alternative cleavage and polyadenylation isoform expression influences about 10% of targeting by miRNAs between any two cell types analysed and, more importantly, that the accuracy of target prediction can be improved if the cellular alternative cleavage and polyadenylation profile is considered. The authors go on to focus on how altering the polyadenylation process and components of RNA polyadenylation machinery leads to abnormal physiological conditions. The targeting of elements of RNA polyadenylation machinery as therapeutics in clinical research is also discussed. The majority of eukaryotic mRNAs are polyadenylated at their 3'end. This poly(A) tail is not encoded by DNA and is added co-transcriptionally. Cleavage and polyadenylation specific factor (CPSF1) is part of multiple subunit factors required for a site-specific cleavage, which is involved in determining specificity and efficency of the 3' end processing of pre-mRNAs in the nucleus by recognizing the polyadenylation signal. Following this, mutations in the poly(A) signal (AAUAAA hexamer) present in the globin pre-mRNA were identified in hematological disorders caused by defects in the synthesis of one or more of the globin chains (thalassemia). The point mutation AATAAA to AACAAA of a human β-globin gene detected in 1985 in DNA from a patient with β-thalassemia led to the formation of an elongated β-globin mRNA isoform. This compilation addresses how RNA processing at the pre-mRNA level occurs in the cell nucleus and regulates gene expression. Newly synthesized mRNA contains a poly(A) tail, which is added through canonical polyadenylation coupled to transcription. Canonical mRNA 3' processing involves endonucleolytic cleavage within the pre-mRNA sequences and the addition of a poly(A) tail to the upstream cleavage fragment. The closing chapter discusses how the poly(A) tail at the 3'end of the majority of eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs), with the exception of histone transcripts, is not simply a static entity but more likely a dynamic matter. Its length added to an mRNA is regulated by the concerted action of poly(A) polymerases and deadenylases.Table of ContentsFor more information, please visit our website at:https://novapublishers.com/shop/a-closer-look-at-polyadenylation/

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Book SynopsisThis book provides the essential information necessary for students in the life and health sciences. The book adopts a readable, student-friendly style that helps introduce students to this fascinating and often-times daunting subject. Each chapter begins with a summary of essential facts followed by descriptions of the subjects that focus on core information with clear, simple diagrams that are easy for students to understand and recall in essays. The extensive use of cross-referencing makes it possible for students to return to individual sections for review purposes without difficulty. Whether students interests lie in biological, chemical, or medical aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology, the book will help make students able, excited, and eager to read more widely and more deeply on this engaging subject. This important new book not only covers an extensive set of topics of current and special interest, but includes more traditional areas in biochemistry as well. Covering a wide range of topics, from classical biochemistry to proteomics and genomics, it also details the properties of commonly used biochemicals, laboratory solvents, and reagents. Coverage is expanded to include a section on stem cells, chapters on immunochemical techniques and spectroscopy techniques, and additional chapters on drug discovery and development, and clinical biochemistry. Moreover, a number of techniques used in molecular biology, for example, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, microarrays, etc. are also explained with practical examples. It also includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to molecular biology. Through it, we attempt to further enlighten the readers about the new concepts in this field. Altogether, presented in an organised, concise, and simple-to-use format, "Trends in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" allows quick access to the most frequently used data. There is an emphasis on biological aspects of biochemistry and new topics are introduced in their biological context wherever possible. Experimental design and the statistical analysis of data are emphasised at the end to ensure students are equipped to successfully plan their own experiments and examine the results obtained.Table of ContentsPrefaceStem Cells: History, Applications and the FutureL1: Shaping Human GenomeAdvancement of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Relation to Public HealthNutraceuticals and Functional Foods: The Future Dietary ApproachNutraceutical Aspects of Rice and Rice Based Food Items to Mitigate Malnutrition in BangladeshPlant-Derived Drugs: A New Paradigm of BiochemistrySoil BiochemistryBeta and HbE/Beta Thalassemia: The Most Common Congenital Hemoglobinopathies in South AsiaThe Molecular Determinants of Preeclampsia Accountable for Multifactorial Disorder in Pregnant WomenRole of Autophagy in Cancer: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Understanding from the Cellular and Molecular Point of ViewInsights into the Bifidobacterium: Integral Members of the Gut Microbial CommunityCoordination of Molecular Techniques and Advanced Bioinformatics Tools for Analyzing Viral Evolutionary Distance with an Emphasis on Foot-And-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) Serotype OEndophytes: A Diverse World of MicroorganismsMorphological and Molecular Detection of Fungi in BangladeshApplication of Molecular Biology Techniques in Aquatic Animal Health ResearchUtilities of the Concept of Statistical Analysis in the Biological SciencesIndex.

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Book SynopsisPesticides belonging to carbamate and organophosphate groups have the potential to induce oxidative stress. However, the role of aqueous extract of A. vera has not been properly studied to demonstrate its ameliorative potential against the toxicity induced by these pesticides in single and combination in different organs of mammalian systems. After an extensive literature survey on the subject, an endeavour has been made to define the following objectives in order to fill up the existing lacuna of information about cartap and malathion induced oxidative stress in rat blood, brain and liver and its impact on neurotransmission as well as energy metabolism. Liver and blood were also included in this study for establishing a more meaningful agreement. The present study was therefore undertaken to delineate the differential impacts of cartap and malathion on the biochemical and histological parameters in Wistar rats. In addition, the prophylactic effect of aqueous extract of A. vera leaves has also been evaluated. The objectives of the present study include: evaluation of xenobiotic-induced oxidative stress, determination of activity of acetylcholinesterase and other esterases in the brains of rats exposed to xenobiotics as potential biomarkers of neurotoxicity; evaluation of different enzymes of energy metabolism in rats exposed to xenobiotics; measurement of specific parameters concerning the function of the kidney and liver in rats exposed to xenobiotics; evaluation of AChE isozyme profile to specifically understand the target of xenobiotics in the brain of rats; analysis of patterns of major biomolecules (proteins/DNA) in rats exposed to xenobiotics for different treatment durations; and assessment of the ameliorative impact of phytochemicals, if any, on xenobiotics. This book is divided into eight sections. Section 1 contains the general introduction and background of the study. Section 2 contains an extensive literature survey on the subject so as to present updated information. Section 3 demonstrates the main objectives of the study. Section 4 describes the various experimental designs, procedures, protocols, tools and techniques. Section 5 illustrates the data obtained from this study. Section 6 enumerates the discussion of the data and associated mechanisms. Section 7 includes the summary and conclusion of the entire study. Section 8 includes citations and references used in this work. This book contains many specific diagrams, illustrations and presentations in simple tables and figures which are self-explanatory so as to make any reader well versed to this subject. In addition, specific flow charts are added to simplify the presentation. We hope that this publication will be of great use to graduates, postgraduates, researchers and faculty members who are studying in the field of plant-based principles for alleviating pesticide toxicity and associated diseases. The tools and techniques explained in this title could be of immense use to all those working in this area. The authors welcome comments and suggestions to improve the quality of the content in the next edition.Table of ContentsPreface; About the Authors; Acknowledgments; Introduction; Review of Literature; Materials and Methods; Results; Discussion; Summary and Conclusion; References; List of Publications; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe papers in this book are united by a common tendency to elucidate the structural-functional-regulatory relationships in biochemical systems on different levels of material organisation.

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Book SynopsisMethods Of Theoretical Physics & Their Applications To Biopolymer Science

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Book SynopsisThis book presents 847 compounds isolated and identified from plants that present antioxidant activity. These substances have been classified by chemical groups and each provides the most relevant information of its pharmacological activity, action mechanism, chemical structure, spectroscopic date and other properties. Chemical structures have been drawn to indicate the stereochemistry. In this handbook the summary of the scientific information of plants that present biological activity and the compounds responsible for this activity is presented, which introduces the reader to the study of medicinal plants and also providing bibliographic references, where a detailed study of its chemistry and pharmacology can be found. This dictionary will be of great help for pre and post-graduate students, as well as professors, research of the medical industry, who work in some way with isolates bioactive compounds obtained from plants.

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Book SynopsisIn biological systems, the normal processes of oxidation (plus a minor contribution from ionising radiation) produce highly reactive free radicals. These can readily react with and damage other molecules. In some cases the body uses free radicals to destroy foreign or unwanted objects, such as in an infection. However, in the wrong place, the body''s own cells may become damaged. Should the damage occur to DNA, the result could be cancer. Antioxidants decrease the damage done to cells by reducing oxidants before they can damage the cell. Virtually all studies of mammals have concluded that a restricted calorie diet extends the lifespan of mammals by as much as 100%. This remarkable finding suggests that food is actually more damaging than smoking. As food produces free radicals (oxidants) when metabolised, antioxidant-rich diets are thought to stave off the effects of ageing significantly better than diets lacking in antioxidants. The reduced levels of free radicals, resulting from a reduction in their production by metabolism, is thought to be a major cause of the success of caloric restriction in increasing life span. Antioxidants consist of a group of vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and carotenoids (such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein). This new book brings together the latest research in this dynamic field.

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Book SynopsisComputational models have been playing a significant role for the computer-based analysis of biological and biomedical data. Given the recent availability of genomic sequences and microarray gene expression data, there is an increasing demand for developing and applying advanced computational techniques for exploring these types of data such as functional interpretation of gene expression data, deciphering of how genes and proteins work together in pathways and networks, extracting and analysing phenotypic features of mitotic cells for high throughput screening of novel anti-mitotic drugs. Successful applications of advanced computational algorithms to solving modern life-science problems will make significant impacts on several important and promising issues related to genomic medicine, molecular imaging, and the scientific knowledge of the genetic basis of diseases.

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Book SynopsisProtein research is a frontier field in science. Proteins are widely distributed in plants and animals and are the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and serve as enzymes, structural elements, hormones, immunoglobulins, etc., and are involved throughout the body, and in photosynthesis. This book gathers new leading-edge research from throughout the world in this exciting and exploding field of research.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents recent research in Chemical and Biochemical physics. Chemical physics addresses a large range of problems. An effective chemical physicist is a "jack-of-all-trades", able to apply the principles and techniques of the field to everything from high-tech materials to biology. Just as the fields of chemistry and physics have expanded, so have chemical physics subject areas, which include polymers, materials, surfaces/interfaces, and biological macromolecules, along with the traditional small molecule and condensed phase systems. Biochemical Physics is a science that joins the three natural sciences biology, chemistry and physics into one comprehensive study. N.M. Emanuel pioneered this science over fifty years ago. This book presents papers, written by Emanuel''s students, that reveal recent developments in this interesting field.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents recent research in chemical and biochemical physics. Chemical physics addresses a large range of problems. An effective chemical physicist is a "jack-of-all-trades", able to apply the principles and techniques of the field to everything from high-tech materials to biology. Just as the fields of chemistry and physics have expanded, so have chemical physics subject areas, which include polymers, materials, surfaces/interfaces, and biological macromolecules, along with the traditional small molecule and condensed phase systems. Biochemical physics is a science that joins the three natural sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) into one comprehensive study. N.M. Emanuel pioneered this science over fifty years ago. This book brings together papers written by Emanuel''s students, which reveal recent developments in this interesting field.

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Book SynopsisAntisense molecules interact with complementary strands of nucleic acids, modifying expression of genes. Some regions within a double strand of DNA code for genes, which are usually instructions specifying the order of amino acids in a protein along with regulatory sequences, splicing sites, non-coding introns and other complicating details. For a cell to use this information, one strand of the DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of a complementary strand of RNA. The template DNA strand is called the transcribed strand with antisense sequence and the mRNA transcript is said to be sense sequence (the complement of antisense). Because the DNA is double-stranded, the strand complementary to the antisense sequence is called non-transcribed strand and has the same sense sequence as the mRNA transcript (though T bases in DNA are substituted with U bases in RNA). This book presents important new research from around the world in this field.

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Book SynopsisFood chemistry is the study of chemical processes and interactions of all biological and non-biological components of foods. The biological substances include such items as meat, poultry, lettuce, beer, and milk as examples. It is similar to biochemistry in its main components such as carbohydrates, lipids, and protein, but it also includes areas such as water, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, food additives, flavours, and colours. This discipline also encompasses how products change under certain food processing techniques and ways either to enhance or to prevent them from happening. An example of enhancing a process would be to encourage fermentation of dairy products with lactic acid; an example of a preventing process would be stopping the Maillard reaction on the surface of freshly cut Red Delicious apples whether by hand or mechanical methods. This new book presents the latest selected research from around the world.

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Book SynopsisImmunosuppression involves an act that reduces the activation or efficacy of the immune system. Some portions of the immune system itself have immuno-suppressive effects on other parts of the immune system, and immunosuppression may occur as an adverse reaction to treatment of other conditions. Deliberately induced immunosuppression is generally done to prevent the body from rejecting an organ transplant, treating graft-versus-host disease after a bone marrow transplant, or for the treatment of auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn''s disease. This is typically done using drugs, but may involve surgery (splenectomy), plasmapharesis, or radiation. A person who is undergoing immunosuppression, or whose immune system is weak for other reasons (for example, chemotherapy and HIV patients) is said to be immunocompromised. When an organ is transplanted, the immune system of the recipient will most likely recognise it as foreign tissue and attack it. The destruction of the organ will, if untreated, end in the death of the recipient. In the past, radiation therapy was used to decrease the strength of the immune system, but now immunosuppressant drugs are used to inhibit the reaction of the immune system. The downside is that with such a deactivated immune system, the body is very vulnerable to opportunistic infections, even those usually considered harmless. Also, prolonged use of immunosuppressants increases the risk of cancer. This book presents the latest research in the field.

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Book SynopsisMagnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential to good health. Approximately 50% of total body magnesium is found in bone. The other half is found predominantly inside cells of body tissues and organs. Only 1% of magnesium is found in blood, but the body works very hard to keep blood levels of magnesium constant. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dietary magnesium is absorbed in the small intestines. Magnesium is excreted through the kidney. This book presents the latest research in the field.

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Book SynopsisThe given compilation is devoted to the anniversary of Professor Gennady E Zaikov. The compilation itself has been prepared by those scientists with whom G. E. Zaikov has worked during more than half a century of his scientific career.

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Book SynopsisThe majority of chapters in this book were written by scientists of N. M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics (IBChPh) of Russian Academy of Sciences. Prof. N. M. Emanuel was one of the founders of biochemical physics -- a part of natural science. This science borders on the line of physics, chemistry and biology with integration of mathematics and with practical applications in medicine and agriculture. The book is devoted to these topics. The time has come to show the scientific community world-wide what Russian scientists have recently done in this area. Six chapters of this volume have information about hydrogels in endovascular embolisation. Special attention devoted to synthesis and properties of spherical particles (SP) of hydrogels and their medico-biological properties, clinical use of SP, radiopaque SP and their preparation and properties, morphological foundation of hydrogels use for vascular occlusion, antitumor agents methotrexate-containing poly(HEMA)-hydrogels and poly(HEMA) with intensified haemostatic activity as a new embolic materials. The volume has very important information about pharmacological premises of the creation of new antitumor preparations of the class of nitrosoalkylurea and investigation of new mechanism of E.coli resistance to alkylation damages induced by NO-donation agent -- a "Quasi-adaptive response". It also includes information about biological activity of different enzymes in process of oxidation in vivo and in vitro, investigation of the properties of lipids in plants and in animals. Some chapters deal with pharmacological criterions for new antitumor drugs, using of Tocopherols as bioantioxidants in vitro and in vivo, creation of new equipment for chemical engineering, investigation of enzyme reactions, thermodegradation and combustion of polymers and polymer composites, formation of char during of combustion, molecular design and reactivity of some chemical compounds, problems of pethrochemistry, preparation and modification of microparticles, investigation of antioxidants in food products, chemistry of rubber and formation of carbon nanostructures. Several chapters include very important information about application of electron spin resonance techniques for investigation of chemical and biochemical reactions.

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Book SynopsisBiochemistry is the organic chemistry of compounds and processes occurring in organisms. Histocytochemistry is the study of intracellular distribution of chemical, reaction sites, enzymes, etc. by means of staining reactions, radioactive isotope uptake, selective metal distribution in electron microscopy, or other methods. This book focuses on the role of norepinephrine in neuroinflammation, discusses the contribution of norepinephrine to Alzheimer''s (AD) and Parkinson''s Disease (PD) and provides an overview of potential therapeutical options targeting this neurotransmitter. Using methodologies such as questionnaires and laboratory tasks, experimental results showing specific effects related to noradrenaline in both clinical and experimental studies are described. This book also provides the current findings on the relationships between sympathetic nerve activity, B-adrenoceptor polymorphisms, and renal function. Recent methodologies that are useful for advanced immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis in pathological research into therapeutic agents is also analysed. Other chapters in this book discuss the unresolved areas of plasma cell research, an analysis of a new technology based on B-Cell targeting and its advantages over conventional methods for selective generation of novel monoclonal antibodies, as well as a review of the regulation of proteases and their role during the biocontrol process. Recent advances in the isolation and characterisation of glycosidases from hyperthermophilic microorganisms and the methods used for their application in oligosaccharide synthesis are explored as well.

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Book SynopsisAn oligosaccharide is a saccharide polymer containing a small number of component sugars, also known as simple sugars (monosaccharides). Oligosaccharides can have many functions; for example, they are commonly found on the plasma membrane of animal cells where they can play a role in cell-cell recognition. This book presents topical research data in the study of oligosaccharides, including the study of human and bovine milk oligosaccharides; the health benefits and commercial applications of prebiotic oligosaccharides; classification of oligosaccharides synthesised by enzymes; oligosaccharides from sucrose via glycansucrases; and the Mannan oligosaccharides in aquaculture.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents research in the study of bioprocessing science. Topics discussed include the development of microbial insecticides; how the usage of synthetic plastics has resulted in increased waste accumulation; the biomass energy production system as an ideal recycling method for environmental conservation; Photosynthetic microorganisms (PSMs) as platforms for research on renewable biofuels and the implementation of biomass for the development of therapeutic and preventive pharmaceutical medications.

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Book SynopsisIn a social context, body odours act as effective psycho-biological signals modulating interpersonal interactions, but also as several physiological processes. This new book presents current research in the study of the biology, sources, olfaction and response to odours. Topics discussed include the biology of insect odours; the psychophysical, neurophysiological and neurobiological investigation of olfactory processes in humans; odours in the context of animal navigation and environmental odourants and irritants and their health consequences.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents current research in the study of cystatins, including the evolution, members, structure, and mechanisms of action of the cystatin superfamily; the inhibitory effects of cystatins directly on cysteine proteases; cystatin C in acute coronary syndromes and acute kidney injury and the atherosclerosis and lipid-lowering therapy of statins.

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Book SynopsisThe activity of a bacterial enzyme "able to degrade penicillin" had first been described in 1940, even before the exact structure of penicillin was elucidated and, by 1970, several enzymes had been purified to homogeneity, the amino acid sequence of a staphylococcal penicillinase was also known and that of its Bacillus licheniformis counterpart was well under way. By contrast, their catalytic mechanism remained quite mysterious. A Zn++ metallo-beta-lactamase (ß-lactamase II, BcII or ßII) had also been described as soon as 1967 and later purified. It was thus surprising that the first mechanistic information demonstrating the presence of a penicillin-binding serine residue was obtained with a penicillin-sensitive DD-peptidase rather than a ß-lactamase. This seemed to open the floodgates and several class A ß-lactamases were then rapidly shown to be active-site serine enzymes. This book presents current research in the study of beta-lactamases.

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Book SynopsisPhotobiology is the scientific study of the interactions of light and living organisms. The last decades have witnessed great strides in understanding the biological effects of light from the molecular all the way up to the whole organism level. Much of the boost for advancing the science of photobiology came from the dramatic increase over this period in the incidence of melanoma and other sun-related skin diseases. In this book, current knowledge about the risks of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on infant skin are summarised, including epidemiologic evidence regarding sun exposure in this age group. This book also explores and discusses the complex cascade of modifications induced within proteins through exposure to irradiation. Exciting new approaches to the characterisation, location, tracking, and ultimately control of photoxidation within proteins are discussed as well. Moreover, the prevention for phototoxic effect is one of the important themes of photobiology. The chemopreventive action of novel organic and inorganic materials on photosensitised biomolecules damage is described in this book. Other chapters provide insights into the death and protective responses of cells treated by photodynamic therapy (PDT) as well as the relationships among gene expressions, examine the effects of natural ultraviolet radiation at zooplankton populations and communities in inland water ecosystems, and the application of folates and their role for skin homeostasis.

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Book SynopsisProteomics is the large-scale study of proteins, particularly their structures and functions. Proteins are vital parts of living organisms, as they are the main components of the physiological metabolic pathways of cells. The proteome is the entire complement of proteins, including the modifications made to a particular set of proteins, produced by an organism or system. This book presents and discusses various topical data on proteomics, including: proteomic technologies used in celiac disease, protein location in plant proteomics, the prediction of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) using proteomics, proteomic studies of mild cognitive impairment, among others.

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Book SynopsisIsoflavonoids are a valuable group of natural products and are primarily synthesised in leguminous plants, where they play important roles in plant defence. They also have significant health benefits for animals and humans and have been ascribed various estrogenic, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, leading to their popularity as dietary supplements. This book gathers and presents topical research data on isoflavones including bioactive isoflavones and their implications in cancer treatment and prevention, soy protein and isoflavones in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the processing techniques on isoflavone profiles.

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Book SynopsisProteins are an important class of biological macromolecules present in every biological organism. Proteins are synthesised on ribosomes as a linear chain of amino acid residues in a specific order from information encoded within the DNA. In order to function, each newly synthesised chain must fold into the unique 3-D structure that is characteristic of the individual protein. Protein folding is a highly specific process and each protein has a specific fold to perform its specific function. Uncovering the mechanisms through which such processes take place is one of the greatest challenges in the post genomic era. This book presents current research from around the globe in the study of protein folding, including heterologous protein folding in yeast; how homodimeric proteins fold and assemble; ribosome assisted protein folding; protein disulphide isomerases; and self-assembling peptids for biomedical applications.

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Book SynopsisBioenergetics is the subject of a field of biochemistry that concerns energy flow through living systems. This is an active area of biological research that includes the study of thousands of different cellular processes such as cellular respiration and the many other metabolic processes that can lead to production and utilisation of energy in forms such as ATP molecules. This book presents current research from across the globe in the study of bioenergetics, including Cell ATP production by mitochondria; bioenergetics of closed ecological systems; bioenergetics of thermus thermophilus; as well as screening and studying photosynthetic mutants.

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