LEHNINGER PRINCIPLES OF BIOCHEMISTRY - VOL. 1. THE BASIS OF STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION - 2011

Preface to the Russian Edition

Dear reader, you hold in your hands the definitive reference book for all biochemists and molecular biologists.

Nearly 40 years ago, Albert Lehninger published his brilliant textbook, Biochemistry (Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Cells Structure and function by Albert L. Lehninger. New York: Worth Publishers, 1972). This book was translated and published twice in Russian (Lehninger A. Biokhimiya. Moscow: Mir, 1974, 1976). Keeping pace with scientific advancements, the author substantially revised the textbook, which appeared under the title Principles of Biochemistry (Lehninger A. L. Principles of Biochemistry. Worth Publishers, New York, 1982). The book went through several editions in English and was translated into the world's major scientific languages. In our country, this textbook was published in three volumes (Lehninger A. Osnovy biokhimii. In 3 vols. Moscow: Mir, 1985). It is no exaggeration to say that at least two generations of researchers grew up reading this book.

Over the intervening years, remarkable discoveries have been made in the life sciences, experimental Methods have undergone radical transformation, and the very ideology of biochemistry has evolved. All of this necessitated a thorough revision and updating of the textbook.

Following the passing of A. Lehninger, David Nelson and Michael Cox took on the task of preparing new editions. They essentially wrote a new book while preserving the General structural principles of Lehninger's textbook and maintaining continuity in the title (Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry). With this new author team, the book has already been published twice (4th and 5th eds. — 2003, 2005).

Now, this textbook is made available to the Russian-speaking reader. As before, the Russian Translation of Principles of Biochemistry is published in three volumes, which will undoubtedly be convenient for readers, particularly students. The division into volumes corresponds to the thematic parts designated by the authors (Part I. STRUCTURE AND CATALYSIS; Part II. Bioenergetics and METABOLISM; Part III. Information Pathways).

Volume 1, Principles of Biochemistry: Structure and Catalysis, includes the Prefaces, biographical sketches of the authors, the introductory essay, Chapter 1 ("The Foundations of Biochemistry"), which introduces fundamental biochemical concepts and characterizes cellular components, as well as Part I ("Structure and Catalysis", Chapters 2–12), which examines essential Biomolecules and key processes such as biological transport and signal Transduction.

Volume 2, Bioenergetics and Metabolism (Chapters 13–23), covers the core principles of bioenergetics, the pathways of breakdown and synthesis of cellular components, and the hormonal regulation and integration of mammalian metabolism.

Volume 3, Information Pathways (Chapters 24–28), is dedicated to the principles of Genetic information transfer and the Introduction/30.html">Regulation of Gene Expression. The back matter of Volume 3 includes a glossary, a List of Abbreviations and symbols, Answers to problems, and a comprehensive index for the entire three-volume set.

As they study biochemistry, readers will quickly appreciate the merits of this textbook, which has earned special acclaim among professionals for its systematic presentation of material. It provides Definitions of all key terms and concise descriptions of the most important experimental methods. Special mention should be made of the magnificent illustrations, careful study of which provides a deeper understanding of the processes described. *

We have no doubt that this book will be in high demand. This new Russian edition of the world-renowned textbook will provide invaluable assistance to undergraduate and graduate students studying biochemistry, as well as to instructors. All researchers will find reading and rereading this engaging material both rewarding and enjoyable, uncovering something new in their favorite science every time.

The Translation of the book was performed by T. P. Mosolova (Preface, chapters 1–7, 14–16, and text fragments added in the 5th edition), N. N. Bagrova (chapters 8, 18, 20, 22), V. V. Belov (chapters 9, 13, 17), E. M. Molochkina (chapters 10–12, 21), P. L. Aryutkina (chapter 19), O. M. Alekseeva (chapter 23), and O. V. Efremenkova (chapters 24–28).

Class="right">A. A. Bogdanov, Academician of the RAS

S. N. Kochetkov, Corresponding Member of the RAS

* The text includes References to online resources. See the website http://bcs.whfreeman.com/lehninger5e/.