Fundamentals of Biochemistry - A. A. Anisimov 1986

Foreword

Biochemistry is one of the most rapidly developing fields in biology. By uncovering the BIOCHEMICAL FOUNDATIONS OF various life processes, it exerts a profound influence on the advancement of all biological disciplines and plays a vital role in shaping a dialectical-materialist worldview. The achievements of biochemistry are set to usher in a qualitatively new era in The regulation of biological phenomena. Extensively applied in various sectors of the economy and in medicine, biochemistry is essential for training biology specialists in universities across the country, creating an urgent need for textbooks and learning guides that present the fundamentals of modern biochemistry while synthesizing and analyzing its latest breakthroughs and developmental trajectories.

This textbook has been prepared in accordance with the general biochemistry curriculum for university biology students. The Need for such a publication stems from the fact that no textbooks on general biochemistry by domestic authors had been published in the USSR for universities since 1966, leaving students to rely on translated works. The three-volume editions on biochemistry by D. Metzler, A. White, and others, published in 1981–1982, function more as concise encyclopedias due to their sheer volume, making them better suited for graduate students and advanced undergraduates specializing in biochemistry. To a certain extent, the same applies to A. Lehninger’s exemplary three-volume edition (1985).

In writing this textbook, the authors drew upon many years of experience delivering lectures on general biochemistry to students at Lobachevsky State University of Gorky. The material reflects major advancements in biochemistry published in recent monographs and periodical literature by both domestic and foreign authors. Considerable attention is devoted to molecular biology, a field that has seen particularly active and successful growth in recent years. Furthermore, the Prospects for the continued Development of the physicochemical approach in biology are examined.

A distinctive feature of this textbook is its comparative-evolutionary approach, exploring the differences and commonalities of core biochemical processes in Bacteria, plants, and animals—an essential perspective for broad-profile biology students. It also addresses the ecological dimensions of biochemical challenges, which are highly relevant today. Wherever possible, the Structure/179.html">Practical Applications OF specific substances and biochemical processes in industry and agriculture are highlighted.

This textbook is a collaborative effort by a team of authors. The division of labor is as follows: A. A. Anisimov — Introduction, Chapters 1, 12, and several sections in other chapters; A. N. Leontyeva — Chapters 4, 6, 7, and the section on Protein Synthesis; I. F. Alexandrova — Chapters 2, 3, 9, and the section on Regulation of Protein Biosynthesis; M. S. Kamanina — Chapters 5, 8, and the sections on Amino Acids and Atmospheric Nitrogen Fixation; L. M. Bronshtein — Chapters 10, 11, and the sections on Human and Animal Hormones, Antibody Structure and Mechanism of formation, Protein Catabolism, Carbohydrate METABOLISM During Digestion, among others.

The authors express their sincere gratitude to Academician S. E. Severin, Prof. V. V. Polevoy, and Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences of the Georgian SSR Prof. N. N. Natsubidze for reviewing the manuscript and providing valuable comments. The authors are especially indebted to Prof. S. N. Lyzlova, Prof. V. P. Goncharova, Assoc. Prof. A. A. Myulberg, Assoc. Prof. Y. P. Glushankov, and Assoc. Prof. A. I. Kamkova for their meticulous review of the manuscript, invaluable advice, and substantial assistance during its final preparation. Helpful feedback on specific chapters was also provided by Prof. N. A. Dobrotina and Senior Researcher L. N. Olyunina, to whom the authors extend their sincere thanks.

The Authors