The Basics of Molecular Biology

Accessible and comprehensive, this book describes the universal cellular nature of living organisms and is an indispensable tool for anyone in the sciences who wishes to get a quick overview of molecular biology. Individual chapters cover nucleic acids and proteins, genetic code and protein synthesis, the fidelity of transferring genetic information to the next generations, and the regulation of various processes inside the cells. Special attention is paid to new areas rising from modern DNA sequencing technologies which transform biology. The book also touches on developing areas, such as cures for cancer and CRISPR, which are important for medicine and the future of humankind. 

Chapter 1. The major processes in the biological world                                      

Cells as basic units of life                                                                             

Important facts from chemistry and physics                                                               

Structure of DNA and inheritance of genetic information                                           

Proteins                                                                                                                  

From DNA to proteins                                                                                 

Concluding remarks

Chapter 2. Enzymes, conformational changes, energy, and molecular motors     

Motion of macromolecules in water                                                             

Enzymes                                                                                                                                       

Conformational flexibility of proteins and allosteric transitions                       

Energy in the cell life                                                                                    

Molecular motors                                                                                       

Energy transfer from food to ATP                                                                                        

Chapter 3. The cells           &nbs