Accessible writing style and carefully gauged level of detail make the text ideal for students encountering the subject for the first time
Its broad coverage takes readers from the basic building blocks of life right through to metabolism, genetics, cell signalling and the immune system
Clear sub headings and extensive cross referencing make the text easy to navigate, meaning chapters can be read in any order
The user-friendly design and layout is complemented by frequent diagrams to illustrate important concepts
New to this edition

New chapter on the general principles of nutrition enables students to understand the key principles underlying complex metabolic pathways
New chapter on the control of gene expression reflects the increasing emphasis on gene regulation in contemporary research
A strengthened biomedical focus provides extra context to the processes and concepts being described.
Two new authors, Alison Snape and Despo Papachristodoulou bring additional teaching and research experience in biochemistry and molecular biology to the book.
Now in its fifth edition Biochemistry and Molecular Biology features a new author team, who have retained the much-praised clarity of previous editions, while adding a more biomedical focus and incorporating a discussion of recent developments in research.

A new chapter on the general principles of nutrition emphasises the key principles underlying complex metabolic pathways, enabling students to appreciate an integrated view of human metabolism and nutrition. Also new to the fifth edition, a chapter on the control of gene expression reflects our increasing understanding of the importance and power of gene regulation.

With an integrated approach covering both biochemistry and molecular biology, complemented by frequent diagrams and clear explanations, and all presented in a broader cellular context, this text is the perfect introduction for any student new to the subject.

Part 1: Basic concepts of life
1: The basic molecular themes of life
2: Cells and viruses
3: Energy considerations in biochemistry
Part 2: Structure and function of proteins and membranes
4: The structure of proteins
5: Methods in protein investigation
6: Enzymes
7: The cell membrane and membrane proteins
8: Muscle contraction, the cytoskeleton, and molecular motors
Part 3: Metabolism and Nutrition
9: General principles of nutrition
10: Food digestion, absorption, and distribution to the tissues
11: Mechanisms of transport, storage, and mobilization of dietary components
12: Principles of energy release from food
13: Glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and the electron transport system
14: Energy release from fat
15: An alternative pathway of glucose oxidation. The pentose phosphate pathway
16: Synthesis of glucose (gluconeogenesis)
17: Synthesis of fat and related compounds
18: Nitrogen metabolism: amino acid metabolism
19: Nitrogen metabolism: nucleotide metabolism
20: Mechanisms of metabolic control and their applications to metabolic integration
21: Raising electrons of water back up the energy scale — photosynthesis
Part 4: Information storage and utilization
22: The genome
23: DNA synthesis, repair, and recombination
24: Gene transcription
25: Protein synthesis and controlled protein breakdown
26: Control of gene expression
27: Protein sorting and delivery
28: Manipulating DNA and genes
Part 5: Cells and tissues
29: Cell signalling
30: The cell cycle, cell division, and cell death
31: Cancer
Part 6: Protective mechanisms against disease
32: Special topics: blood clotting, xenobiotic metabolism, reactive oxygen species
33: The immune system