Comparative Biochemistry V1

Contributors to Volume I

Preface

Contents of Volumes II, III, and IV

Guide to the Nomenclature


1. An Introduction to Comparative Biochemistry

I. The Comparative Point of View in Biology

II. The Comparative Point of View in Biochemistry

III. The Scope of Comparative Biochemistry 13

References


2. Thermodynamics of Living Systems

I. Introduction

II. Classical Thermodynamics

III. Thermodynamics of Open Systems

IV. Reaction Rates in Chemical and Biological Systems

References


3. Comparative Mechanisms for Fatty Acid Oxidation

I. Energetics of Fatty Acid Oxidation

II. Mechanism for Release of the Potential Energy in Fatty Acids

III. Non-Energy-Yielding Systems

IV. Mechanism of Odd-Chain Fatty Acid Oxidation

V. Fatty Acid Oxidation—Comparative Aspects

VI. Conclusion

References


4. Phosphoric Acid Anhydrides and Other Energy-Rich Compounds

I. Introduction

II. Chemical and Thermodynamic Aspects of "Energy-Rich" Compounds

III. "Energy-Rich" Compounds in Biological Systems

References


5. Onium Compounds and their Biological Significance

I. General Introduction, Natural Distribution, and Chemical Properties of Onium Compounds

II. Aliphatic Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

III. Heterocyclic Onium Compounds

IV. Sulfonium Compounds

V. Metabolism and Enzymology of Onium Compounds

VI. Conclusions

References


6. Phototropism and Phototaxis

I. Introductory

II. "Phototropism" (The Phototactic Response) in Animals

III. Phototropism in Plants

IV. Analysis of the Phototropic Reaction

V. The Role of Auxin in Phototropism of Plants

VI. Nature of the Photoreceptors

VII. Mechanisms

References


7. The Distribution and Evolution of Visual Systems

I. Introduction

II. Visual Systems of Vertebrates

III. Habitat Relations: Freshwater Fishes Versus Marine Fishes and Land Vertebrates

IV. Euryhaline Fishes

V. Amphibia: Metamorphosis of Visual Systems

VI. Vertebrate Visual Systems: Habitat Relations and Phylogeny

VII. Lampreys

VIII. Deep-Sea Fishes

IX. Eels

X. Invertebrates

XI. Summary and Conclusions

References


8. Aerobic and Anaerobic Reactions of Inorganic Substances

I. General Considerations

II. Oxidation of Nitrogen Compounds

III. Oxidation of Sulfur and Sulfur Compounds

IV. Oxidation of Molecular Hydrogen

V. Biological Litho-Oxidations of Secondary Importance

References


9. Comparative Biochemistry of Glycolysis

I. Chemical Reactions Involved in Glycolysis

II. Regulatory Factors

III. Glycolysis in Specialized Tissues and Cells

IV. Species and Tissue Specificities of Glycolytic Enzymes

References


10. Comparative Biochemistry of Electron Transport

I. Introduction

II. The Cytochrome Respiratory Chain

III. Oxidative Phosphorylation

IV. Other Respiratory Pathways

V. Conclusion

References


11. Utilization of Thermal Energy by Living Organisms

I. The Need of All Organisms for Thermal Energy: General Considerations

II. Methods of Meeting Thermal Requirements

III. Organisms with Unusual Thermal Requirements

IV. Methods of Protection Against the Destructive Effects of Thermal Energy

V. Thermal Energy as a Factor in Evolution

Addendum

References

Author Index

Subject Index