Description
Book SynopsisEnzymes are the astonishing, tiny molecular machines that make life possible. Each one of these small proteins speeds up a single chemical reaction inside a living organism many millionfold. Working together, teams of enzymes carry out all the processes that collectively we recognise as life, from making DNA to digesting food. This Very Short Introduction explains the why and the how of speeding up these reactions - catalysis - before going on to reveal how we have evolved these catalysts of such extraordinary power and exquisite selectivity. Paul Engel shows how X-ray crystallography has revealed the complex molecular shapes that allow enzymes to function at an extraordinarily sophisticated level. He also examines medical aspects of enzymes, both in the way faulty enzymes cause disease and in the way enzymes can be used for diagnosis and therapy. Finally, he looks at the many varied ways in which individual enzymes, taken out of their biological context, are used nowadays as tools - in washing powders, food production, waste treatment, and chemical synthesis.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Trade ReviewA fairly comprehensive textbook that provides a decent technical grounding in enzymology and will no doubt teach many professional biologists a thing or two * Nadia Abbott AMRSB, The Biologist *
This book would be an excellent accompaniment to an undergraduate biology student or someone with a scientific background who wishes to know more about enzymology. * Lucy Elphick, The Biochemist *
It would be perfect for students who want to have a (somewhat more than) basic understanding of the subject before delving deeper ... my overall understanding of the subject is more rounded. Thanks Professor Engel! * Mary Staunton, University College Dublin Today *
Table of Contents1: No Enzymes, No Life 2: Making Things Happen - Catalysis 3: The Chemical Nature of Enzymes 4: Structure for Catalysis 5: Enzymes in Action 6: Metabolic Pathways and Enzyme Evolution 7: Enzymes and Disease 8: Enzymes as Tools 9: Enzymes and Genes - New Horizons References Further reading Index
