Biochemistry Essentials
A Comprehensive Guide
- 2nd Edition - May 30, 2026
- Latest edition
- Authors: Dinesh Puri, Parul Gupta
- Language: English
Biochemistry Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide is a carefully crafted textbook that makesthe vast landscape of biochemistry accessible without sacrificing depth. Written in a cle… Read more
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Description
Description
Biochemistry Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide is a carefully crafted textbook that makes
the vast landscape of biochemistry accessible without sacrificing depth. Written in a clear,
student-friendly style, it bridges foundational biochemical principles with their clinical relevance,
helping learners build lasting conceptual understanding and apply knowledge with confidence
in medical practice.
Tailored for students across MBBS (CBME/NMC curriculum), dental, physiotherapy, allied
health sciences, and medical laboratory technology programmes, this edition offers a
comprehensive yet accessible grounding in a subject that often challenges even the most
diligent learner. Visual tools, including mind maps, flowcharts, and structured diagrams,
transform abstract concepts into clear, memorable pathways to exam success.
the vast landscape of biochemistry accessible without sacrificing depth. Written in a clear,
student-friendly style, it bridges foundational biochemical principles with their clinical relevance,
helping learners build lasting conceptual understanding and apply knowledge with confidence
in medical practice.
Tailored for students across MBBS (CBME/NMC curriculum), dental, physiotherapy, allied
health sciences, and medical laboratory technology programmes, this edition offers a
comprehensive yet accessible grounding in a subject that often challenges even the most
diligent learner. Visual tools, including mind maps, flowcharts, and structured diagrams,
transform abstract concepts into clear, memorable pathways to exam success.
Key features
Key features
Salient Features
• Cover all major topics including metabolism, enzymes, molecular biology, nutrition and
clinical biochemistry, alongside the latest advances in diagnostics.
• Presents complex biochemical concepts in a simple, student-friendly language.
• Updated with recent advances in diagnostic biochemistry and molecular techniques.
• Strong emphasis on clinical correlation to connect theory with patient care.
• Rich with line diagrams, flowcharts, tables, and summary boxes that facilitate quick
comprehension and efficient revision.
• Chapter-end mind maps offer a concise, visual summary, ideal for consolidating learning and
exam preparation.
Online Resources at eBooks+
• Complementary access to full ebook.
• Whiteboard Lectures.
• Question Bank.
• Cover all major topics including metabolism, enzymes, molecular biology, nutrition and
clinical biochemistry, alongside the latest advances in diagnostics.
• Presents complex biochemical concepts in a simple, student-friendly language.
• Updated with recent advances in diagnostic biochemistry and molecular techniques.
• Strong emphasis on clinical correlation to connect theory with patient care.
• Rich with line diagrams, flowcharts, tables, and summary boxes that facilitate quick
comprehension and efficient revision.
• Chapter-end mind maps offer a concise, visual summary, ideal for consolidating learning and
exam preparation.
Online Resources at eBooks+
• Complementary access to full ebook.
• Whiteboard Lectures.
• Question Bank.
Readership
Readership
Tailored for students across MBBS (CBME/NMC curriculum), dental, physiotherapy, allied
health sciences, and medical laboratory technology programmes, this edition offers a
comprehensive yet accessible grounding in a subject that often challenges even the most
diligent learner.
health sciences, and medical laboratory technology programmes, this edition offers a
comprehensive yet accessible grounding in a subject that often challenges even the most
diligent learner.
Table of contents
Table of contents
SECTION I BIOMOLECULES
1 Water, Buffers and Acid–Base Chemistry
Acids, Bases, pH and pK Buffers
Defences for Maintaining Hydrogen-Ion Homoeostasis
Disorders of Acid–Base Balance
Mind Map: Water, Buffers and Acid–Base Chemistry
2 Biological Membranes
Membrane Structure
The Fluid Mosaic Model of Membrane Structure
Transport Across Cell Membrane: Small Molecules
Transport of Macromolecules Across Cell Membrane
Mind Map: Biological Membrane
3 Enzymes
Enzyme Active Site
Specificity
Cofactors, Coenzymes and Prosthetic Groups
Mechanism of Enzyme Catalysis
Enzyme Classification
Enzyme–Substrate Binding
Enzyme Kinetics
Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity
Enzyme Inhibition
Drugs Acting as Enzyme Inhibitors
Regulation of Enzyme Activity
Isoenzymes
Enzymes in Clinical Diagnosis
Therapeutic Uses of Enzymes
Mind Map: Enzymes
4 Chemistry of Carbohydrates
Classification
Biological Significance of Carbohydrates
Monosaccharides
Disaccharides
Sugar Derivatives
Glycosides
Oligosaccharides
Polysaccharides
Mind Map: Chemistry of Carbohydrates
5 Chemistry of Lipids
Biological Functions of Lipids
Fatty Acids
Classification of Lipids
Lipid Digestion and Absorption
Mind Map: Chemistry of Lipids
6 Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins
Characteristics and Roles of Amino Acids
The Peptide Bond
Peptides and Proteins
Classification of Proteins
Levels of Protein Structure
Forces Stabilizing Native Conformation
Physical Properties of Proteins
Proteins: Digestion and Absorption
Mind Map: Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins
7 Connective Tissue and Extracellular Matrix
Collagen
Elastin
Keratins
Mind Map: Connective Tissue and Extracellular Matrix
8 Plasma Proteins and Immunoglobulins
Electrophoresis
Albumin
Globulins
Fibrinogen
Transport Proteins
Acute Phase Proteins
Immunoglobulins
Polyclonal and Monoclonal Antibodies
Mind Map: Plasma Proteins and Immunoglobulins
SECTION II METABOLISM
9 Metabolism of Carbohydrates I
Transport of Glucose Into Cells
Glycolysis
Rapaport-Leubering Cycle
Feeder Pathways for Other Monosaccharides
Feeder Pathways for Disaccharides and Polysaccharides
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex: A Bridge Between Glycolysis and TCA Cycle
Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle
Gluconeogenesis
Cori Cycle Or Lactic Acid Cycle
Pentose Phosphate Pathway
Uronic Acid Pathway
Mind Map: Metabolism of Carbohydrates I
10 Metabolism of Carbohydrates II
Glycogenolysis
Glycogenesis
Regulation of Glycogen Metabolism
Glycogen Storage Diseases
Mind Map: Metabolism of Carbohydrates II
11 Metabolism of Lipids I
Fatty Acid Oxidation
Fatty Acid Synthesis
Regulatory Circuits of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Triacylglycerol Metabolism
Ketone Bodies
Mind Map: Metabolism of Lipids I
12 Metabolism of Lipids II
Lipoprotein
Metabolism of Different Lipoprotein Classes
Disorders of Lipoprotein Metabolism
Fatty Liver Syndrome
Cholesterol Metabolism
Prostaglandins
Metabolism of Phospholipids
Mind Map: Metabolism of Lipids II
13 Metabolism of Amino Acids and Proteins
Fate of α-Amino Group
Metabolism of Carbon Skeletons
Biosynthesis of Amino Acids
Specialized Products Formed From Amino Acids
Diseases Due To Inborn Errors of Amino Acid Metabolism
Mind Map: Metabolism of Amino Acids and Proteins
14 Biological Oxidation and Electron Transport Chain
Sources of Electrons for Etc
Redox Potential
Sequence of Electron Flow
Inhibitors of Etc
Oxidative Phosphorylation
Mind Map: Biological Oxidation and Electron Transport Chain
15 Integration of Metabolism
Hormones as Metabolic Regulators
Feeding and Fasting
Metabolic Alterations in Diabetes Resemble Starvation
Diabetes Mellitus
Organ Coordination in Metabolic Homeostasis
Regulation of Blood Glucose
Alcohol Metabolism
Mind Map: Integration of Metabolism
SECTION III PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
16 Haem Metabolism
Functions of The Haem Structure
Nomenclature
Biosynthesis of Haem
Porphyrias
Catabolism of Haem
Jaundice
Mind Map: Haem Metabolism
17 Oxygen Transporters and Muscle Contraction
Myoglobin Structure
Haemoglobin Structure
Binding of Oxygen To Haem
Allostery
Transport of Oxygen in Blood
Transport of Carbon Dioxide in Blood
Myoglobin: Oxygen Binding Characteristics
Fetal Haemoglobin
Haemoglobin Derivatives
Haemoglobinopathies
Muscle Contraction
Electrical Characteristics
Mechanism of Contraction
Energy Sources
Cardiac Muscle Structure
Smooth Muscle Structure
Mind Map: Oxygen Transporters
Mind Map: Muscle Contraction
SECTION IV NUTRITION
18 Energy Metabolism and Nutrition
Calorific Values
Respiratory Quotient
Components of Energy Requirement
Recommendations for Dietary Nutrients
Nutritional Implications of Diseases
Mind Map: Energy Metabolism and Nutrition
19 Vitamins
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Mind Map: Vitamins
20 Minerals
The Major Minerals
Trace Elements
Lead: A Heavy Metal Poison
Mind Map: Minerals
SECTION V MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
21 Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nucleotide Metabolism
Composition of Nucleotides
Nucleotide Metabolism
Biosynthesis of Purines
Purine Degradation
Disorders of Purine Metabolism
Biosynthesis of Pyrimidines
Disorders of Pyrimidine Metabolism
Degradation of Pyrimidines,
Many Anticancer Drugs Inhibit Purine and Pyrimidine Synthesis, 372
Mind Map: Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nucleotide Metabolism, 374
22 Molecular Biology I: DNA Structure, Genetic Role and Replication, 375
Chemical Structure of DNA
DNAs Are Extremely Large
The Watson–Crick Proposal
Some Physical Properties of DNA
Higher Organization of DNA
Introns, Exons, Cistrons
Replication
Mutations
DNA Repair
Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Cell Cycle
Mind Map: Molecular Biology I: DNA Structure, Genetic Role and Replication
23 Molecular Biology II: Transcription and Translation
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
Transcription
Genetic Code
Translation
Mind Map: Molecular Biology II: Transcription and Translation
24 Mechanism of Regulation of Gene Expression
Control of Gene Expression in Bacteria
Regulation of Eukaryotic Gene Expression
Mind Map: Mechanism of Regulation of Gene Expression
25 Recombinant DNA Technology
Tools in Recombinant DNA Technology
DNA Amplification and Cloning
Gene Libraries
Blotting Techniques
Applications of Recombinant DNA Technology
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Mind Map: Recombinant DNA Technology
SECTION VI CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
26 Sodium, Potassium and Water Homeostasis
Water Distribution in The Body
Water Balance
Electrolyte Distribution in The Body
Regulation of Water and Electrolyte Balance
Disturbances of Water and Electrolyte Metabolism
Mind Map: Sodium, Potassium and Water Homeostasis
27 Organ Function Tests
Gastric Function Tests
Pancreatic Function Tests
Intestinal Function Tests
Thyroid Function Tests
Adrenal Function Tests
Functions of Liver
Tests for Liver Functions
Renal Function Tests
Mind Map: Organ Function Tests
28 Cancer
Tumours: Benign and Malignant
Growth Characteristics of Cancer Cells
Biochemical Changes in Cancer Cells
Cancer: A Disease of Genome
Aetiology of Cancer
Molecular Lesions in Cancer
Role of Viruses in Carcinogenesis
Tumour Markers
Cancer Therapy
Apoptosis
Mind Map: Cancer
29 Biochemical Techniques for Separation of Biomolecules
Separation of Proteins
Separation of Nucleic Acids
Mind Map: Biochemical Techniques for Separation of Biomolecules
SECTION VII CONTEMPORARY TOPICS
30 Xenobiotic, Free Radicals and Antioxidants
Xenobiotics
Free Radicals
Mind Map: Xenobiotic, Free Radicals and Antioxidants
31 Role of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory Practices
Introduction To AI
Types of AI
Key Applications of AI
AI in Healthcare
Role of AI in Diagnostics and Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory
Mind Map: Role of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory Practices
Index
1 Water, Buffers and Acid–Base Chemistry
Acids, Bases, pH and pK Buffers
Defences for Maintaining Hydrogen-Ion Homoeostasis
Disorders of Acid–Base Balance
Mind Map: Water, Buffers and Acid–Base Chemistry
2 Biological Membranes
Membrane Structure
The Fluid Mosaic Model of Membrane Structure
Transport Across Cell Membrane: Small Molecules
Transport of Macromolecules Across Cell Membrane
Mind Map: Biological Membrane
3 Enzymes
Enzyme Active Site
Specificity
Cofactors, Coenzymes and Prosthetic Groups
Mechanism of Enzyme Catalysis
Enzyme Classification
Enzyme–Substrate Binding
Enzyme Kinetics
Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity
Enzyme Inhibition
Drugs Acting as Enzyme Inhibitors
Regulation of Enzyme Activity
Isoenzymes
Enzymes in Clinical Diagnosis
Therapeutic Uses of Enzymes
Mind Map: Enzymes
4 Chemistry of Carbohydrates
Classification
Biological Significance of Carbohydrates
Monosaccharides
Disaccharides
Sugar Derivatives
Glycosides
Oligosaccharides
Polysaccharides
Mind Map: Chemistry of Carbohydrates
5 Chemistry of Lipids
Biological Functions of Lipids
Fatty Acids
Classification of Lipids
Lipid Digestion and Absorption
Mind Map: Chemistry of Lipids
6 Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins
Characteristics and Roles of Amino Acids
The Peptide Bond
Peptides and Proteins
Classification of Proteins
Levels of Protein Structure
Forces Stabilizing Native Conformation
Physical Properties of Proteins
Proteins: Digestion and Absorption
Mind Map: Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins
7 Connective Tissue and Extracellular Matrix
Collagen
Elastin
Keratins
Mind Map: Connective Tissue and Extracellular Matrix
8 Plasma Proteins and Immunoglobulins
Electrophoresis
Albumin
Globulins
Fibrinogen
Transport Proteins
Acute Phase Proteins
Immunoglobulins
Polyclonal and Monoclonal Antibodies
Mind Map: Plasma Proteins and Immunoglobulins
SECTION II METABOLISM
9 Metabolism of Carbohydrates I
Transport of Glucose Into Cells
Glycolysis
Rapaport-Leubering Cycle
Feeder Pathways for Other Monosaccharides
Feeder Pathways for Disaccharides and Polysaccharides
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex: A Bridge Between Glycolysis and TCA Cycle
Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle
Gluconeogenesis
Cori Cycle Or Lactic Acid Cycle
Pentose Phosphate Pathway
Uronic Acid Pathway
Mind Map: Metabolism of Carbohydrates I
10 Metabolism of Carbohydrates II
Glycogenolysis
Glycogenesis
Regulation of Glycogen Metabolism
Glycogen Storage Diseases
Mind Map: Metabolism of Carbohydrates II
11 Metabolism of Lipids I
Fatty Acid Oxidation
Fatty Acid Synthesis
Regulatory Circuits of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Triacylglycerol Metabolism
Ketone Bodies
Mind Map: Metabolism of Lipids I
12 Metabolism of Lipids II
Lipoprotein
Metabolism of Different Lipoprotein Classes
Disorders of Lipoprotein Metabolism
Fatty Liver Syndrome
Cholesterol Metabolism
Prostaglandins
Metabolism of Phospholipids
Mind Map: Metabolism of Lipids II
13 Metabolism of Amino Acids and Proteins
Fate of α-Amino Group
Metabolism of Carbon Skeletons
Biosynthesis of Amino Acids
Specialized Products Formed From Amino Acids
Diseases Due To Inborn Errors of Amino Acid Metabolism
Mind Map: Metabolism of Amino Acids and Proteins
14 Biological Oxidation and Electron Transport Chain
Sources of Electrons for Etc
Redox Potential
Sequence of Electron Flow
Inhibitors of Etc
Oxidative Phosphorylation
Mind Map: Biological Oxidation and Electron Transport Chain
15 Integration of Metabolism
Hormones as Metabolic Regulators
Feeding and Fasting
Metabolic Alterations in Diabetes Resemble Starvation
Diabetes Mellitus
Organ Coordination in Metabolic Homeostasis
Regulation of Blood Glucose
Alcohol Metabolism
Mind Map: Integration of Metabolism
SECTION III PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
16 Haem Metabolism
Functions of The Haem Structure
Nomenclature
Biosynthesis of Haem
Porphyrias
Catabolism of Haem
Jaundice
Mind Map: Haem Metabolism
17 Oxygen Transporters and Muscle Contraction
Myoglobin Structure
Haemoglobin Structure
Binding of Oxygen To Haem
Allostery
Transport of Oxygen in Blood
Transport of Carbon Dioxide in Blood
Myoglobin: Oxygen Binding Characteristics
Fetal Haemoglobin
Haemoglobin Derivatives
Haemoglobinopathies
Muscle Contraction
Electrical Characteristics
Mechanism of Contraction
Energy Sources
Cardiac Muscle Structure
Smooth Muscle Structure
Mind Map: Oxygen Transporters
Mind Map: Muscle Contraction
SECTION IV NUTRITION
18 Energy Metabolism and Nutrition
Calorific Values
Respiratory Quotient
Components of Energy Requirement
Recommendations for Dietary Nutrients
Nutritional Implications of Diseases
Mind Map: Energy Metabolism and Nutrition
19 Vitamins
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Mind Map: Vitamins
20 Minerals
The Major Minerals
Trace Elements
Lead: A Heavy Metal Poison
Mind Map: Minerals
SECTION V MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
21 Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nucleotide Metabolism
Composition of Nucleotides
Nucleotide Metabolism
Biosynthesis of Purines
Purine Degradation
Disorders of Purine Metabolism
Biosynthesis of Pyrimidines
Disorders of Pyrimidine Metabolism
Degradation of Pyrimidines,
Many Anticancer Drugs Inhibit Purine and Pyrimidine Synthesis, 372
Mind Map: Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nucleotide Metabolism, 374
22 Molecular Biology I: DNA Structure, Genetic Role and Replication, 375
Chemical Structure of DNA
DNAs Are Extremely Large
The Watson–Crick Proposal
Some Physical Properties of DNA
Higher Organization of DNA
Introns, Exons, Cistrons
Replication
Mutations
DNA Repair
Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Cell Cycle
Mind Map: Molecular Biology I: DNA Structure, Genetic Role and Replication
23 Molecular Biology II: Transcription and Translation
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
Transcription
Genetic Code
Translation
Mind Map: Molecular Biology II: Transcription and Translation
24 Mechanism of Regulation of Gene Expression
Control of Gene Expression in Bacteria
Regulation of Eukaryotic Gene Expression
Mind Map: Mechanism of Regulation of Gene Expression
25 Recombinant DNA Technology
Tools in Recombinant DNA Technology
DNA Amplification and Cloning
Gene Libraries
Blotting Techniques
Applications of Recombinant DNA Technology
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Mind Map: Recombinant DNA Technology
SECTION VI CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
26 Sodium, Potassium and Water Homeostasis
Water Distribution in The Body
Water Balance
Electrolyte Distribution in The Body
Regulation of Water and Electrolyte Balance
Disturbances of Water and Electrolyte Metabolism
Mind Map: Sodium, Potassium and Water Homeostasis
27 Organ Function Tests
Gastric Function Tests
Pancreatic Function Tests
Intestinal Function Tests
Thyroid Function Tests
Adrenal Function Tests
Functions of Liver
Tests for Liver Functions
Renal Function Tests
Mind Map: Organ Function Tests
28 Cancer
Tumours: Benign and Malignant
Growth Characteristics of Cancer Cells
Biochemical Changes in Cancer Cells
Cancer: A Disease of Genome
Aetiology of Cancer
Molecular Lesions in Cancer
Role of Viruses in Carcinogenesis
Tumour Markers
Cancer Therapy
Apoptosis
Mind Map: Cancer
29 Biochemical Techniques for Separation of Biomolecules
Separation of Proteins
Separation of Nucleic Acids
Mind Map: Biochemical Techniques for Separation of Biomolecules
SECTION VII CONTEMPORARY TOPICS
30 Xenobiotic, Free Radicals and Antioxidants
Xenobiotics
Free Radicals
Mind Map: Xenobiotic, Free Radicals and Antioxidants
31 Role of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory Practices
Introduction To AI
Types of AI
Key Applications of AI
AI in Healthcare
Role of AI in Diagnostics and Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory
Mind Map: Role of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory Practices
Index
Product details
Product details
- Edition: 2
- Latest edition
- Published: May 30, 2026
- Language: English
About the author
About the author
PG
Parul Gupta
Dr Parul Gupta is a research professional with a Ph.D. in Zoology and 10 years of experience in teaching and research holding a CSIR-NET certificate in life sciences. Currently, she is working as a Research Associate at ICMR-NIRTH with a strong background in scientific research, laboratory expertise, and team collaboration. She has an experience of teaching of 4 years from reputed degree college. Her skills encompass proficiency in working knowledge of molecular techniques like PCR, ELISA, gene sequencing with skills of data analysis. She has 11 publications in peer-reviewed journals and own a strong foundation in medical pharmaceutical knowledge with effective scientific writing skills. Additionally, she completed a 3-month course in Good clinical practice in clinical trials and attended several workshops and conferences. As a researcher and teacher, her theoretical as well as practical knowledge of the subject, which makes her understand the informative content of the book.
Affiliations and expertise
ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, India