Isoenzymes in Biology and Medicine attempts to give an account of the study of isoenzymes in relation to humans, animals, insects, higher plants, fungi, protozoa, algae, and bacteria. This book discusses the chemical structure, physiological aspects, metabolic role, and function of isoenzyme observations in genetic, ontogenic, and phylogenic studies. A detailed account of the use of isoenzyme in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of disease and control of therapy is also provided. This text likewise considers the isoenzymes of the oxidoreductases, transferases, and hydrolases, including its relation to clinical medicine. This publication is intended for biochemists, biologists, clinical biochemists and physicians.

The increased interest in multiple forms of enzymes that began with the application of new methods of fractionation to preparations of enzymes and other proteins some 25 years ago led quickly to an appreciation that the existence of enzymes in multiple forms, or isoenzymes, is a general phenomenon. The results of pioneering studies and those which followed in the early years of isoenzyme research consisted, not surprisingly, mainly of descriptions of the existence and characteristics of hetero geneity in various enzyme systems. Summaries of these results were provided in books such as J . H. Wilkinson's I soenzymes, the first edition of which appeared in 1965. Some clearer ideas of the nature of the phenomena had become apparent by the time that the second edition of Isoenzymes was called for in 1970, and a limited use of the word isoenzymes itself, to describe only certain of the various categories of enzyme multiplicity then recognized, was already being proposed. Nevertheless, a largely enzyme-by-enzyme oTganization of the contents of the book was still appropriate. Considerable advances, both experimental and conceptual, were made in isoenzyme research in the 1970s, and in 1977 Professor Wilkinson suggested to the present author that these should be taken into account in a joint revision of Isoenzymes. Professor Wilkinson's untimely death put. an end to this project and the present book is therefore the work of a single author.

No one has counted the enzymes in the human organism, and probably their profuse number can only be estimated from the restrictions the finite mass of genetic material imposes. Still, nu merous catalytic activities have been identified and investigated for their clinical relevance. After one century of such research, surprisingly, only a handful of enzymes has survived the stern trial of clinical application to find regular medical use. Dis regarding genetic defects, most of the diagnostically used en zymes participate in metabolic conversions fundamental to life: the utilization, transfer or fixation of vital nutrients or of cheJ,llical energy. Creatine kinase is central to the function of the mitochond rion, the cellular power generator. The wider distribution of this enzyme is linked to tissues whose physiology crucially relies on an adaptable supply of energy, notably skeletal muscle, the brain, and the heart. Just as these three tissues vary in their pre ference for different energy sources, each produces a different isoenzyme of creatine kinase. Accordingly, the finding of elevat ed creatine kinase activity in blood can lead to a variety of interpretations, but in practice the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is the major consideration.

Isoenzymes were 'discovered' 20 years ago and were at first regarded as interesting but rare occurrences. Since then a wealth of information on enzyme heterogeneity has accrued and it now seems likely that at least half of all enzymes exist as isoenzymes. This is important in many areas of biological and medical science. Thus isoenzyme studies have provided the main experimental substance for the neutral drift controversy in genetics and evolution; they have greatly extended our understanding of metabolic regulation not only in animals but also in bacteria and plants; their existence has made available a multitude of highly sensitive markers for the study of differentiation and development, as well as providing indices of aberrant gene expression in carcinogenesis and other pathological processes. Iso enzymes are also being used increasingly in diagnostic clinical bio chemistry. It is surprising that this phenomenon which affects such a high pro portion of enzymes and is clearly important in biochemistry should receive such scant attention in the standard textbooks of that subject, the formal treatment of isoenzymology in these rarely exceeding one or two pages. This may be because the 'pure biochemist' has tended to regard variation in enzyme properties between tissues more as an unwanted complication than as a potential source of insight into diversity of biological function.

This new dictionary covers a wide range of terms used in the field of forensic science, touching on related disciplines such as chemistry, biology, and anthropology. Case examples, figures, and photographs make it the ideal reference for students and practitioners of forensic science, as well as those with an interest in forensic science.

Effectively merge basic science and clinical skills with Elsevier's Integrated Review Biochemistry, by John W. Pelley, PhD. This concise, high-yield title in the popular Integrated Review Series focuses on the core knowledge in biochemistry while linking that information to related concepts from other basic science disciplines. Case-based questions at the end of each chapter enable you to gauge your mastery of the material, and a color-coded format allows you to quickly find the specific guidance you need. Online access via www.studentconsult.com - included with your purchase - allows you to conveniently access the book's complete text and illustrations online as well as relevant content from other Student Consult titles. This concise and user-friendly reference provides crucial guidance for the early years of medical training and USMLE preparation. Spend more time reviewing and less time searching thanks to an extremely focused, "high-yield" presentation. Gauge your mastery of the material and build confidence with both case-based, andUSMLE-style questions that provide effective chapter review and quick practice for your exams. Access the full contents online at www.studentconsult.com where you'll find the complete text and illustrations, "Integration Links" to bonus content in other Student Consult titles, an interactive community center with a wealth of additional resources, and much more! Grasp and retain vital concepts more easily thanks to a color-coded format, succinct,text, key concept boxes, and dynamic illustrations that facilitate learning in a highly visual approach. Effectively review for problem-based courses with the help of text boxes that help you clearly see the clinical relevance of the material. Great for visual learners!