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Books in Life sciences

Elsevier's Life Sciences collection helps researchers get comprehensive coverage and up-to-date information on the study of living organisms, their processes, and interrelationships, spanning disciplines like biology, genetics, and biochemistry, and addressing emerging trends such as genomics, biotechnology, and sustainability, essential for advancing knowledge and driving innovation in the field.

BooksJournals

    • Organization and Assembly of Plant and Animal Extracellular Matrix

      • 1st Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • W. Steven Adair
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 4 3 1 5 2 0 4
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 5 3 2 2 5
      Organization and Assembly of Plant and Animal Extracellular Matrix presents a state-of-the-art view of some of the experimental systems in plant and animal matrix biology. It discusses certain principles underlying establishment of complex three-dimensional architecture cross broad evolutionary boundaries. The opening chapter reviews studies on the cellular mechanisms responsible for storage, release, assembly, and function of extracellular matrices during early sea urchin development. The subsequent chapters describe the structure, assembly, disassembly, and molecular biology of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cell wall. The chapters also summarize the status of work on basement membrane assembly. Important insights into approaches to identify critical molecular domains and the complexity of relating defined molecular associations to establishment of matrix architecture are provided. A family of discovered cell wall genes that encode protein products containing up to 70% glycine is presented in Chapter 4. This is followed by a discussion on the role of alginate self-assembly in cell wall formation in Fucus. The book goes on to address the issue of protein-carbohydrate recognition with a detailed discussion of plant and animal lectins. Chapter 7 tackles a family of genes encoding higher plant hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) and the relationship between the HRGP genes cloned and their products. The final two chapters are devoted to one of the most important classes of protein modifying enzymes for extracellular matrix formation and function, the prolyl hydroxylases. This book will be of help to workers in plant and animal matrix in understanding information, approaches, and ideas that they may not normally encounter.

    • Biochemistry of Platelets

      • 1st Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • David Phillips
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 4 1 4 5 7 8 8
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 4 8 9 7 9
      Biochemistry of Platelets is a comprehensive review of the biochemistry of platelets, with emphasis on the molecular basis for the various biological processes in which they participate. Topics range from stimulus-response coupling mechanisms to platelet contractile proteins, platelet membrane glycoproteins, and storage organelles in platelets and megakaryocytes. The expression and function of adhesive proteins on the platelet surface is also discussed. Comprised of 12 chapters, this book begins with a description of the morphological and metabolic responses to agonists, as well as the involvement of certain processes in the coupling of agonist-receptor interactions to platelet responses. The following chapter deals with platelet arachidonate metabolism and platelet-activating factor, focusing on the release of arachidonate from platelet lipid stores; pathways of platelet arachidonate metabolism and effects of arachidonate metabolites; and inhibition of platelet arachidonate metabolism by aspirin. The structure, function, and modification in disease of platelet membrane glycoproteins are then discussed, along with prothrombin activation on platelets and platelet regulation of thrombus formation. Secreted platelet proteins as markers for pathological disorders are also considered. This monograph is intended as a reference for investigators involved in platelet research as well as a source of information for those working in other areas of biological investigation.

    • Three-Dimensional Confocal Microscopy: Volume Investigation of Biological Specimens

      • 1st Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • English
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 3 8 9 6 3
      The integration of confocal microscopy and volume investigation has led to an unprecedented ability to examine spatial relationships between cellular structure and function. The goal of this book is to familiarize the reader with these new technologies and to demonstrate their applicability to a wide range of biological and clinical problems.

    • Molecular Action of Toxins and Viruses

      • 1st Edition
      • Volume 2
      • December 2, 2012
      • P. Cohen + 1 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 6 7 1 8 5
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 6 0 0 9 7 4
      Molecular Action of Toxins and Viruses investigates the molecular action of bacterial toxins and viruses and its striking similarity to the mechanisms by which many neural and hormonal stimuli control normal cell functions. Topics covered include the biological activity of diphteria toxin; the role of cholera toxin in the regulation of hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase; toxic lectins and related proteins; and bacterial cytolysins (membrane-damaging toxins). Comprised of nine chapters, this volume begins with a discussion on the biosynthesis and biological activity of diphtheria toxin, toxin-resistant mutant cells, and the entry of toxin into cells and fragment A in the cytoplasm of living cells. The reader is then systematically introduced to the use of cholera toxin as a probe to study the regulation and interaction of adenylate cyclase components; the toxic action of lectins and related proteins such as abrin, ricin, and modeccin; and the ability of bacterial cytolysins to damage cell membranes. The remaining chapters focus on the mechanism of action of colicin E2, colicin E3, and cloacin DF13; similarities in the action of different bacterial toxins; the role of cell membranes in infection with bacterial viruses and colicins; and the life cycle and infection mechanisms of bacteriophage T4. The book concludes with an analysis of the involvement of protein kinases in viral transformation. This monograph will be of interest to students, practitioners, and researchers in fields ranging from molecular biology and biochemistry to cell biology, bacteriology, and physiology.

    • A Textbook of Plant Virus Diseases

      • 3rd Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • Kenneth M. Smith
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 3 9 4 2 1 0 4
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 6 2 0 5 0
      A Textbook of Plant Virus Diseases deals with a discussion of different plant viruses, their properties, and the corresponding diseases these viruses cause. It includes a list of host plants of every virus arranged alphabetically. The book discusses the new types of disease vectors, such as root-infesting fungi, nematode worms, mites, and insects that are both biting and sucking. It also discusses the development of new techniques in electron microscopy that is used to characterize in detail the causal viruses of a number of plant virus diseases. Furthermore, it presents the development of plant virus serology, as well as the improved methods of virus isolation that allow the classification of viruses into related groups. The book includes a Bibliography and an Index of Synonyms that can be used in identifying given virus name. In addition, cross-references are included for searching a particular virus under the alternative names. This book will be invaluable to ecologists, environmentalists, agriculturalists, and other scientists interested in plant viruses. Biology students will also find this reference helpful.

    • Hearing

      • 1st Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • Edward Carterette
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 4 1 2 3 6 0 1
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 4 2 7 5 5
      Handbook of Perception, Volume IV: Hearing reviews the literature on the physical, physiological, and psychological aspects of hearing. The book covers a wide array of topics relevant to hearing, including the measurement and biophysics of the cochlea, binaural and spatial hearing, and the effects of hearing impairment on the auditory system. The psychological, sociological, and physiological effects of noise are also addressed. This volume is organized into six sections encompassing 16 chapters and begins with a historical overview of the history of research on hearing, from the antiquity of acoustics to the physical and mathematical developments that gave rise to auditory facts and theories. Auditory perception, physiology, and theory are followed up to about 1940, whereas the work on analysis synthesis and perception of speech is traced up to about 1960. The chapters that follow focus on measurement, the biophysics of the cochlea, and neural coding. The underlying mechanisms of the processing of acoustic information are given consideration. The book methodically introduces the reader to the mechanisms of frequency, intensity, time, and periodicity, along with stress, trauma, and pathology. A chapter on the transient physiological effects of noise and their relation to neuroendocrine stress theory concludes the treatise. This book is intended for psychologists, biologists, and natural scientists, as well as for those who are interested in the physical, physiological, and psychological aspects of hearing.

    • Eukaryotic Cell Genetics

      • 1st Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • John Morrow
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 4 3 3 5 0 6 6
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 5 8 1 8 3
      Eukaryotic Cell Genetics reviews the state of knowledge in somatic cell genetics. The book begins by discussing the development of somatic cell genetics, focusing on the estimation of mutation rates in mammalian cells, with frequent reference to the use of drug resistance as a selective character. It then considers some of the specific properties of such variants in order to understand their molecular basis. The subsequent chapters examine the properties of specific types of auxotrophic variants; the means by which eukaryotic cells may be reassembled to give rise to viable cellular composites; gene regulation in eukaryotic organisms; and chromosome mapping. The discussions also include differentiation in cultured cells; neoplastic transformation; the modulation of gene expression in cultured cells; mutation induction in cultured cells; applications of cell culture; and the mechanism of cellular aging. This book is intended for researchers in the fields of genetics and molecular biology, nonspecialists interested in what is happening in a very exciting area of biology, and students at the graduate level in cell biology.

    • G Proteins

      • 2nd Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • Ravi Iyengar
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 4 3 3 7 9 9 2
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 6 1 4 0 4
      G Proteins is an introduction to one class of systems used for signal transduction at the cell surface, with emphasis on its utilization of a heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein (G protein) to mediate the transfer of information across the plasma membrane, from receptor to effector. Topics covered include the structure and function of G-protein α chains, ADP-ribosylation factor of adenylyl cyclase, and G protein-mediated effects on ionic channels. The organization of genes coding for G-protein α subunits in higher and lower eukaryotes is also discussed. This book is comprised of 25 chapters and begins with an overview of G proteins and their role in signal transduction. The next section focuses on the structural aspects of G proteins, with substantial emphasis on ? subunits. The mechanism of G protein coupling to effector systems is also considered, using the hormone-regulated adenylyl cyclase and light-regulated cGMP phosphodiesterase as models. Subsequent chapters deal with receptors and effector systems, together with the cellular functions that may be regulated by heterotrimeric G proteins. In particular, the interaction of insulin with G proteins is discussed, along with receptor regulation of cell calcium and phospholipase C activity. This monograph should be useful to students and scientists interested in G proteins.

    • Nutrition Intervention Strategies in National Development

      • 1st Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • Barbara Underwood
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 4 3 1 1 9 7 8
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 4 9 9 5 2
      Nutrition Intervention Strategies in National Development reviews nutritional programs as key components of policy planning for national development in general and health programs in particular. It summarizes research on targeted application of nutrition knowledge in public health and efforts to reduce worldwide malnutrition, and it highlights the importance of planned controlled change in the quality of diet as a preventive strategy against widespread disease. Organized into seven sections encompassing 33 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the basic concepts of nutrition intervention and some elements of successful nutrition intervention strategies. It then discusses the economic effects of early malnutrition and economic considerations for nutrition intervention programs; the role of the government in income distribution and nutritional improvement; supplementary feeding programs; and strategies for addressing protein energy malnutrition. The reader is also introduced to the nutrition-infection cycle in relation to intervention techniques, nutrient-specific interventions including prevention of iron deficiency, and nutrition education. Scientists, nutritionists, policymakers, medical doctors, economists, education specialists, and health workers concerned with nutrition intervention programs will find this book extremely helpful.

    • Plant Disease: An Advanced Treatise

      • 1st Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • James G. Horsfall
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 4 1 4 3 0 6 7
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 4 6 2 2 7
      Plant Disease An Advanced Treatise, Volume V: How Plants Defend Themselves describes the active, passive, physical, chemical, mechanical, and physiological defense systems of plants against the pathogens. Divided into 23 chapters, this volume discusses theories, experimental approaches, and ways to help plant defend themselves. The opening chapters of this volume deal with certain general aspects of plant defense, such as the theories of “tolerance to disease” and “the time sequence of defense”, including a dynamic model of defense. A chapter discusses how plant populations defend themselves in natural ecosystem and the implications of disease management on agroecosystems. Considerable chapters examine the defense by the host by analogy with defense of a medieval castle, such as perimeter, internal, and chemical defenses. Discussions on the defenses triggered by the invading pathogen; recognition and compatibility phenomena; the concept of hypersensitivity; the role of phytoalexins in defense; and the metabolic detoxification done by plants to suffer less damage from toxins are provided. This volume also discusses the theory and mechanisms of hypovirulence and hyperparasitism. The concluding chapters summarize the effects of numerous nutrients on disease and the mechanisms involved. This volume is an invaluable source for plant pathologists, mycologists, advanced researches, and graduate students.

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