Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, Volume 1 - Murray R. 1993

Preface

To date, Human and Animal biochemistry has built a solid foundation for the successful advancement of future research. The Functions of many simple and complex Biomolecules have been elucidated, with the defining milestones being the Discovery of the informational role of DNA and the decoding of The Mechanism of Genetic information transfer from DNA to protein. The primary Organelles of animal Cells have been isolated and their principal functions established. Numerous Enzymes have been obtained in a highly purified state, and the mechanisms regulating their activity have been characterized. The Pathways of Energy storage and utilization have been thoroughly explored, and significant progress has been made in understanding membrane Structure and function. The principal actions of major Hormones have been clarified, and the biochemical aberrations underlying A number of diseases have been identified.

At the same time, many challenges still remain to be addressed. These include elucidating the mechanisms that regulate and coordinate vital processes; in particular, research into decoding the mechanisms governing Gene Expression—which underlies Cell growth, division, and differentiation, as well as tumor transformation in pathology—is still in its infancy. Information regarding the mechanisms of cellular secretion remains extremely limited. The Nature of many hereditary disorders is still poorly understood, and it has not yet been possible to formulate a coherent framework for the complex biochemical processes responsible for the functioning of the Central Nervous system.

The textbook of biochemistry offered to the reader provides a comprehensive Overview of the achievements in human and animal biochemistry. Having reached its 21st foreign edition, its high merits are beyond doubt. Primarily intended for medical students, the book is also invaluable for physicians seeking to understand the biochemical processes that sustain a healthy Organism and whose disruption leads to pathological conditions. This clinical focus is reflected in the translated title, "Human Biochemistry" (which is also the title of the book's introductory chapter). Each chapter opens with an Introduction followed by a "Biomedical Importance" section, highlighting Key Concepts of direct relevance to medicine. Many chapters conclude with a "Clinical Aspects" section detailing DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH Metabolic Disorders discussed in the chapter, alongside characterizations of any resulting changes in Blood and urine metabolite levels. It is worth emphasizing that the textbook provides an exceptionally thorough Treatment of Lipid METABOLISM—a topic usually covered very briefly in other manuals—even though lipid metabolism disorders are directly implicated in conditions such as atherosclerosis and CORONARY Heart DISEASE. The textbook also features specialized chapters including "Nutrition, Digestion, and Absorption," "Blood Plasma and Clotting Processes," and "Cancer, Oncogenes, and Growth Factors," which are of particular interest to medical professionals. The volume concludes with a section detailing the rationale for Biochemical Laboratory tests, the interpretation of their results, and their application in clinical Diagnostics.

This textbook will undoubtedly appeal not only to medical professionals but also to a broad audience of biologists interested in the fundamentals of biochemistry. It offers a clear and concise account of biochemistry and molecular biology¹, while fully reflecting the latest breakthroughs in the field. The text is richly illustrated with numerous figures and diagrams that facilitate comprehension and can be effectively utilized in teaching biochemistry.

L.M. Ginodman

¹ A more detailed Discussion of certain biochemical topics can be found in other textbooks published by Mir Publishers: D. Metzler, Biochemistry: The Chemical Reactions of Living Cells, 3 vols. (1980); A. White et al., Principles of Biochemistry, 3 vols. (1981); L. Stryer, Biochemistry, 3 vols. (1984–1985); A. Lehninger, Principles of Biochemistry, 3 vols. (1985). — Translator's Note.

Class="center">Preface

In this guide, we have sought to present the fundamental principles of biochemistry and molecular biology in a concise yet comprehensive manner. We have also examined the biochemical aspects of several pathological states, introducing medical students to the clinical manifestations and consequences of disrupted biochemical processes.

Changes in the 21st Edition

In preparing this new edition, the authors pursued two primary objectives: to incorporate the latest medically significant advances in biochemistry, and to make the presentation more engaging and accessible. Accordingly, the following revisions were implemented:

✵ The book is organized into six major sections, which clarifies the logical flow of the material. Larger chapters have been broken down into more compact units, and some chapters have been relocated to sections where they fit the narrative more naturally.

✵ Two introductory chapters have been added. Chapter 1 ("Biochemistry and Medicine") illustrates the intimate connection between biochemistry and medical science, offering students a range of compelling and important Examples of biochemical Applications in medicine. Chapter 2 ("Biomolecules and Biochemical Methods") briefly characterizes The major types of cellular molecules and the techniques used to study them, thereby establishing a foundation for the rest of the text. It highlights landmark discoveries in biochemistry and outlines promising avenues of current research.

✵ Each chapter opens with a brief introduction that outlines its content and assesses The Significance of the presented material.

✵ Immediately following the introduction, a concise "Biomedical Importance" section emphasizes the medical relevance of the topics covered in the chapter.

✵ A new chapter on "Intermediary Metabolism" (Ch. 16) brings thematic unity to all chapters dedicated to metabolic pathways.

✵ A new chapter on "Recombinant DNA technology" (Ch. 36) introduces the underlying principles and methods, highlighting the profound impact that recombinant DNA technology has had on The Development of biology and medicine.

✵ A dedicated chapter on "Cancer, Oncogenes, and Growth Factors" (Ch. 57) familiarizes students with current challenges in this field and underscores the fundamental nature of biochemical insights gained from The Study of oncogenesis and growth factors.

✵ An "Appendix" has been added, outlining the primary laboratory biochemical methods used in clinical medicine, including an evaluation of their sensitivity and Specificity. This appendix is designed to help students bridge the gap between general and clinical biochemistry and appreciate the diagnostic power of various biochemical tests.

Furthermore, all chapters have been updated to reflect the Current state of scientific knowledge. In addition, the following topics are discussed in greater depth due to their high level of interest:

✵ Membranes (in Ch. 43).

✵ Nutrition, digestion, and absorption (in Ch. 53).

✵ Glycoproteins (in Ch. 54).

Organization OF THE Book

The text comprises two introductory chapters and six major sections.

Section I focuses on Proteins and Enzymes—the "workhorses" of the organism. Because nearly all cellular reactions are catalyzed by enzymes, understanding enzyme properties is essential before moving on to other topics.

Section II details how various cellular reactions are coupled to the generation or consumption of energy. It also outlines the pathways of carbohydrate and lipid Synthesis and degradation, while discussing the physiological roles of various representatives from these two classes of biomolecules.

Section III focuses on Amino Acids, tracing the metabolic fate of these molecules and their links to energy production and utilization.

Section IV describes the STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS of Nucleic Acids within the framework of the DNA → RNA → protein dogma. This section includes a new chapter on the principles of recombinant DNA technology, which has opened up unprecedented Prospects for biomedical science.

Section V explores hormones and their pivotal role in Intercellular Communication and Metabolic Regulation. Because hormone action on target cells is invariably mediated by specific interactions with Plasma Membranes, the structure and function of membranes are reviewed beforehand.

Section VI covers five Specialized Topics, including a new chapter entitled "Cancer, Oncogenes, and Growth Factors".

The Appendix provides a concise overview of biochemical laboratory tests, their clinical interpretation, and diagnostic utility.

Acknowledgments

The authors deeply appreciate the substantial contribution made to the development of this textbook by Dr. David Martin during his tenure as HEAD of the author team. Much of Dr. Martin's work has been preserved in the present edition. Dr. Robert Murray assumed editorial leadership for this edition, striving to maintain the same remarkable energy and high level of biochemical expertise that characterized Dr. Martin.

The authors express their gratitude to colleagues and friends around the world who provided valuable suggestions and corrections. We look forward to their continued involvement and interest in the future. We also warmly welcome any feedback from students.

The authors are especially grateful for the widespread international recognition and support this book has received. Several English-language editions have been reprinted in Japan, Lebanon, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Korea. Furthermore, the book has been translated into Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Japanese, Polish, German, Indonesian, Serbo-Croatian, and Greek.

October 1987

R.K.M.

D.K.H.

P.A.M.

V.W.R.