Basic Aspects of Biochemistry

The series is intended for the advanced student, the teacher, and the active researcher. A background of the basic knowledge in the field of stereochemistry is assumed. Each chapter is written by an expert in the field and, hopefully, covers its subject in depth. We have tried to choose topics of fundamental importance aimed primarily at an audience of inorganic and organic chemists but involved frequently with basic principles of physical chemistry and molecular physics, and dealing also with certain stereochemical aspects of biochemistry. 

In light of the current importance of inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and polymer chemistry, advanced courses in these areas are especially recommended and students should be strongly encouraged to take one or more of these. Furthermore, the basic aspects of these three important areas should be included at some place in the core material. 

In previous sections the basic aspects of cell structure and cell biochemistry have been discussed. The control and integration of cellular processes to produce appropriate structures and functions is vital for the efficient reproduction and use of resources. The activity of the cell may be controlled in a number of ways. Figure 5.31 illustrates the interactions that have been shown to take place within cells. Two major systems of control exist. 

Ultimately, most environmental pollutants and hazardous substances are of concern because of their effects on living organisms. The study of the adverse effects of substances on life processes requires some basic knowledge of biochemistry. Biochemistry is discussed in this chapter, with an emphasis on the aspects that are especially pertinent to environmentally hazardous and toxic substances, including cell membranes, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and enzymes. 

It is useful at this time to review briefly some basic aspects of enzyme inhibition and enzyme inhibitors. For a broader review of enzymatic mechanisms and kinetics consult any of several excellent biochemistry textbooks. Enzyme inhibitors are chemical agents capable of modifying an enzyme s capacity to catalyze the reactions of its normal substrates. Effecting such changes of enzyme function by altering the pH, changing the temperature, or subjecting the system to radiation such as UV should properly be considered a denatu-ration process. 

In the former series of Comprehensive Biochemistry the contributions of physical methods to biochemistry were considered in volumes 1-4, a section which was devoted to the physicochemical and organic aspects of biochemistry. In 1962 the series editors M. Florkin and E.H. Stotz emphasized the importance of these basic sciences for the future progress in the Hfe sciences. Since that time, the application of physical methods to biological problems has solved many questions and opened new avenues of research. 

Aspects of the biosphere are covered in several parts of the book. Chapter 10 provides a basic understanding of biochemistry as it relates to environmental chemistry. The influence of organisms on the hydrosphere is discussed in Chapters 11-13. Chapter 23 deals specifically with toxicological chemistry. 

Future research related to biodegradation of azo dyes should focus on both basic and applied aspects of the subject. Since bioremediation is an important tool in detoxifying and eliminating environmental contaminants, a thorough understanding of microbial genetics, biochemistry, and physiology is required. Attempts should be... 

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