Concepts in Biochemistry

Book excerpt: Intended for the one-semester, sophomore/junior level course, Boyer's text is written for a range of majors including Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Agriculture, Pharmacy, and Environmental Studies. It is also appropriate for use in one-term Biochemistry courses now required for certification by the American Chemical Society. Prerequisites for the course include General and Organic Chemistry. Boyer enhances the understanding of biological processes by initiating the study of Biochemistry with nucleic acids, especially DNA, playing a more central role. Other biomolecules are treated as direct or indirect products. It is an approach that captures the student's attention by giving them a current and practical sense of Biochemistry and presenting applications that can be used in their careers. This focus makes the text particularly relevant for students in allied health, agriculture, and related programs. An accompanying interactive CD ROM/Web site provides additional opportunity for study and enrichment. It contains Animations, Concept Reviews, Cutting Edge Biochemistry Materials, and Structural Tutorials.