book reviews lems utilizine ir and nmr data are listed in the additional prohlems uf subuquent chapters. Kcartion k~netrclend the cunfuliing (for the student only, of cgurse) topic of the S N ~ S .N ~ , E , and Ep mechanisms for substitution and elimination from the subject matter for Chapter 17. This very well done treatment includes a discussion ofthe possibility of intervening ion-pairs in substitution reactions. The remaining Special Topics chapters, 22 (Heterocyclic Amines, Alkaloids, and Condensation Polymers) and 23 (Lipids, Steroids, and Steroid Biosynthesis) form a bittersweet prelude to the carbohydrates and the rest of biochemistry which are covered in Chapters 24-26. For the reviewer, the description of many of the eomoaunds and orocesses in chooov ... shurr sentences war dtsconrerting and made reading in a rmmth and rapid fashion most d~rfirult.While the style iu t r n r rhrm~gho~rt, the result is not oppressive until topics such as phosphatides, steroids and the replacement reactions of diazonium salts. Throughout the hook little space is devoted to industrial processes and economic relationships of raw materials and items of commerce. A paragraph under the heading "synthesis of alkanes" suffices for petroleum raw materials and products. The sections on addition and condensation polymers identify the common materials and list iome uses without commenting on the raw material source or the relative economic importance. ~
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Physid-organic matters such as free energy relationships, photochemistry, isotope effects, and methods of separation likewise are given little coverage. Chromatography is not indexed although it is mentioned once as the basis for the ion-exchange amino acid analyzer. Mass spectrometry receives a fleeting mention as a method for ohtainine "the most accurate iormula weights." Carcinogmu are defined on page 4.1U but the upportunity to delineate common examples from N-nitrasoamines, azoeampounds, henzidine, vinyl chloride, and chloromethyl ether is lost. In summary, this is a book with a good plan of organization, good illustrations (three color in man" instances). ...oroblems.. chaoter summaria, and a strong biochemical flavor which will appeal to many.
.
Terry L. Krugar
WlState University Nmcie, Indiana 47306
Biochemical Concepts Robert W. McCiluery, University of Virginia. W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 1975. xiii 530 pp. Figs. and tables. 27 X 20 cm. $16.95.
major recrmnx-The I'roreins, The Carbon Cycle, The Nitrogrn Cycle and Sparlalined Metabolism-ach with appropriate subsections. A noteworthy feature is the appendix with a lengthy discussion of analysis and chemical properties of biological compounds. Included are short presentations on topics such as the acid base behavior, stereochemistrvand detection of amino acids. technioues of prowm sequence detrrmrnatmn and carbohydrnte structure, fdhwed hy an m t l m r of enzyme nomenclature rules. Protein biosynthesis, DNA replication, and related topics are discussed very early in the hook (before page 50). a rather unusual arrangement for teats of this type. Enzyme kinetics and regulation are treated very superficially. There are only brief discussions of the general aspects of coenzyme chemistry and mechanisms, and discussions of the use of physical techniques in biochemistry are very limited. The major emphasis of the tent is clearly on metabolism and related topics, which comprise over 2/1 of the text. Thus, this book should he well suited for an introductorv Ii
