book reviews Blochemistry
Lubert Stryer, Yale University. W . H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco, California, 1975. xiv 877 pp. Figs. and tables. 24 X 20.5 cm. $19.95.
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This hook representing another general biochemistry teat presents a somewhat different and in my opinion useful approach t o the area. Dr. Stryer has divided his text into five major sections: I. Conformation (30%) 11. Generation and Storage of Metabolic Energy (26%) 111. Biosynthesis of Macromolecular precursors (9%) IV. Information (21%) V. Molecular Physiology (14%). Part I-Conformation-is primarily focused on the relation of structure and function in proteins. After a general introduction to proteins and their properties, hemoglobin and myoglohin are discussed in considerable depth with an entire chapter devoted to allasterism in hemoglobin. This is followed by an excellent discussion of sickle cell anemia, then three chapters on enzymes and a chapter on collagen and elastin. The section concludes with an excellent introduction to biol o g i d memhranes. The first section sets the tone ofthe hook and does an excellent jab of establishinga basic understanding ofproteins and their action. The approach used here in focusing on a few selected examples (hemoglobin, myoglobin, lysozyme, carboxypeptidase, collagen, and elastin) allows clarification of the basic principles without confusing the student with the multitude of enzymes Part I1 covers the basics of metabolism including glycolysis, citric acid cycle, axidative phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis, and ~hotasvnthesis.This section. althoueh not as
thesis of membrane lipids, steroids, amino acids, and nucleotides. These topics are covered adequately and clearly. Part IV-Information-is an excellent dcimption oisturage, rmnsmiurion, and e x presslon of genetic mformnrion. The areas wvered me c l e a r l ~explilmed wirh excellent
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illustrations t o clarify the concepts. Part V-Molecular Physiology-contains chapters on immunoglobulins, bacterial cell wall, membrane transport, excitable membranes, hormone action and muscle contraction, and cell motility. These chapters are well written and serve to demonstrate the principles derived in the previous sections. This book is well written, with ausefd and somewhat different approach (structure and function relationship). The strengths of the book are clarity and the extensive and eacellent use of figures. I was particularly impressed with Dr. Stryer's approach of developing a specific area in historical perspective and then clearly establishing the conclusions. The figures and the excellent use of color in them greatly facilitate understanding the text. The problems given are good and the references excellent. In terms of weakness, the book omits some of the detail included in other biochemistry textbooks in regards to methodology and some specific enzyme systems. However, in my view this is a plus as this material can be supplemented in lectures and its absence does not detract from the understanding by the student of the hiological processes discussed. Overall this is a well written, very readable hook which is highly recommended by this reviewer for graduate and medical school general biochemistry. Michael A. Cusanovich University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona 85721
An Introduction to Biochemical Reactlon Mechanisms
James N. Lowe, The University of the South, and Lloyd L. Ingraham, University of California a t Davis. Prentice-Hall. Inc.., New Jersey. xi 145 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. $9.95.
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"An Introduction to Biochemical Reaction Mechanisms" by Lowe and Ingraham is an up-dated version of a former special topics
book entitled "Biochemical Mechanisms" by Ingraham. According to the authors the new text is designed as a supplement in an organic or biochemistry undergraduate course. In the new version there is less emphasis on general mechanistic principles of organic and inorganic chemistry, hut instead the actual biochemical section is considerably increased. The text is kept, however, quite compact and is divided into seven well organized and clearly written chapters. It foeuses on a small number of basic, well-known biochemical features and deals specifically with enzymes, high-energy compounds, pyridoxd and Schiff bases, acetyl coenzyme A and lipoic acid, coenzyme function and design (flavins and thiamine), catalysis by protein functional groups, and metal ions in hiochemistry, Some chemical theory is briefly introduced when needed, hut in general the student should already have a solid background in organic as well as inorganic chemistry to completely understand some of the chapters of the new text. One nice feature is the references given a t the end of each chapter, some of which are as recent as 1973. The text contains some minoramhiguities, but the number is not excessive far a completely revised book. This text can he strongly recommended as an excellent euide for seniors or as a manageable self-study book for graduates interested in biological chemistry. Albert M. Bobst University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio 45221
Mastering Chemistry
Gwuld M ' . (Ahson, CollegeofCharlert~,n. W. H. 5aunders Company, Phdadriphia, 1975. Figs and ulhle*. x T 468 pp. 24 5 X 16 cm. An important step for the student in an introductory chemistry class is learning how to solve chemical problems. The solution of these problems requires, in addition to a knowledge of mathematics, a grasp of a number of important chemical concepts and principles. One problem in mast introductory courses is a lack of time for the student to gain knowledge and proficiency by practice. The objective of Dr. Gibson's manual is t o (Continued o n page A344
Reviewed in this Issue
Lubert Stryer, Biochemistry James N . Lowe and Lloyd L. Ingraham, An Introduction to Biochemical Reaction Mechanisms Gerald W Gibson, Mastering Chemistry Charles Wilkins, Charles Klopfenstein, Thomas L. Isenhour, and Peter C . Jurs, Introduction t o Computer Programming for Chemists. Basic Version Galen .W. Ewing, Instrumental Methods of Analysis. Fourth Edition Charles S. Johnson and Lee G.Pederson, Problems and Solutions in Quantum Chemistry and Physics Henry I. Bolker, Natural and Synthetic Polymers Robert P. Multhauf. The Origins of Chemistry
Reviewer Michael A. Cusanovitch Albert M. Bohst Donald F. Logsdon, Jr. George Brubaker Donald G. Davis Don McLaughlin David A. Brant Ralph E. Oesper
Volume 53.Number 8, August 1976 1 A343
