The Biophysical Chemistry of Nucleic Acids and Proteins

Who will buy this book? University students and scientists in the biological sciences. DNA, RNA and proteins are undoubtedly the most important biological molecules. Being large macromolecules, their physical, chemical and biological properties can differ dramatically from those of the monomers from which they are made. Described here are their primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures; their evolutionary origins; their unfolding and refolding; their chemical synthesis and manipulation; their physical interactions with other molecules, which often result in catalysis of chemical reactions in one or both of them; and the various ways in which the catalytic activities of enzymes are controlled and regulated. Colour is used liberally throughout the volume to enhance the many illustrations.