30-Second Biochemistry: The 50 Vital Processes in and Around Living Organisms, Each Explained in Half a Minute

Description

The successful 30-Seco nd series tackles biochemistry, the science of the chemical processes which underpin the workings of all organic life. 30-Second Biochemistry takes 50 of the most significant ideas relating to the study of the chemical processes connected to living organisms, simplifying each concept using just 300 words and one picture. By using chemical procedures to tackle biological challenges, biochemistry reveals the behaviour of complex molecules and how they combine to form the building blocks of life. Through this book you will gain a clear understanding of a fascinating area of science , embarking on a journey that reveals how new life is created , the path molecules take to develop from microscopic cells into complete organisms and how energy is harvested and harnessed to help organisms function efficiently. Have all the key terms of this fascinating science explained in simple, bitesize chunks of information-rich text, as well as meeting the key figures who have helped make biochemistry what it is today. Cover Contents Introduction Biochemistry’s Context GLOSSARY Life’s Scale Life’s Units Life’s Power Life’s Rules Life’s Matrix Life’s Give & Tike Profile: Lawrence Henderson Life’s Organizing Force Building Blocks GLOSSARY Elements Bonds: Life’s Handedness Chains: Biological Polymers Lipids Sweetness: Carbohydrates Profile: Frederick Sanger Life’s Letters: Nucleotides Workforce: Amino Acids & Peptides Machinery GLOSSARY Protein Folding & Aggregation Shape: Protein Structure Profile: Max Perutz Roads & Rafters: Structural Proteins Motors Transport & Storage Membranes, Messengers & Receptors Making Life Go: Enzymes Harvesting Energy GLOSSARY Life’s Currency Using Big Carbs Using Small Carbs Long-term Storage & Burning Fats The Central Hub Profile: Hans Krebs ATP From Air Mobilizing the Cell Making Life GLOSSARY Burning in Reverse: Photosynthesis Bringing in the Nitrogen Pooling the Amino Acids The Making of the Message Bearers Maintaining the Code Profile: James Watson, Francis Crick & Rosalind Franklin Reading the Book Doctoring Decoding: Epigenetics Finding the Source Staying Alive GLOSSARY In & Out: Digestion & Excretion Blood, Breath & Balance Moving Profile: Hugh Huxley Biochemistry on the Brain Detox Electrolyte Balance Coordinating the Defence In Sickness & Health GLOSSARY Things We Need Staying Fit Progeny & the Pill Maintaining the Right Balance Repelling the Hijackers Profile: Gertrude Elion & George Hitchings When Cells Break Bad Gene Editing Appendices Resources Notes on Contributors Index A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W X Acknowledgements