Molecular Aspects of Transport Proteins (Ecosystems of the World)

The development of molecular biological techniques and their application in the field has given a new dimension to the area of membrane transport. The combination of biochemical (site-specific reagents), molecular biological (site-directed mutagenesis) and genetic approaches of which this volume gives numerous examples in combination with biophysical techniques as X-ray analysis and NMR will eventually lead to a complete elucidation of the mechanism of action of these transport proteins. Although impossible to give a comprehensive overview of this rapidly expanding field, the expert contributors discuss: pumps involved in primary active transport, carriers which transport metabolites, and channels which allow selective passive transport of particular ions. This volume is ideal for teachers, students and investigators in this field, and will lead to further progress in our understanding of this fascinating field.