Metabolic Inhibitors V2

Book excerpt: Metabolic Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume II charts the major advances that have been made in understanding metabolic inhibition and inhibitors. The book explores the inhibition of enzymes, such as catechol amines, acetylcholinesterases, and succinic dehydrogenases, as well as inhibitors of processes ranging from gas transport to photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and oxidative phosphorylation. Organized into 23 chapters, this volume begins with a discussion on the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and dinucleotide analogues. The reader is then introduced to the biochemical significance and mode of action of antibiotics; substances interfering with the biogenesis and metabolism of catechol amines; and inhibition of enzyme activities by thioarsenites. Some chapters focus on mercaptide-forming agents, biological alkylating agents, organophosphates, and carbamates, while others examine the metabolic inhibitory effects of quinones, fungicides, and surface active agents. The book also considers the effects of anesthetics, depressants, and tranquilizers on cerebral metabolism, and then concludes with a chapter on inhibition caused by radiation. This book is a valuable resource for biochemists, advanced students, medical research workers, and research workers in the fields of biological chemistry, microbiology, botany, and agriculture.