DNA is the central repository of genetic information in the cell, yet it is under constant attack by chemical mutagens, radiation and other processes. Cells therefore put a great deal of resources into repairing any damage to this precious store. Mechanisms of DNA repair vary greatly in their level of complexity, from specific reversal mechanisms that involve a single protein, to sequential pathways that require many enzymes. But at the heart of all these mechanisms lie proteins that recog...

Understanding the functions and properties of molecules in living systems requires a detailed knowledge of their three-dimensional structures and the conformational variability that allows them to adopt multiple functional forms. Interpreting biological systems in the language of three-dimensional structures is of fundamental importance and innumerable research groups around the world are working in this area. This book is a compilation of articles describing attempts at understanding the ...

The first complete genome sequence of a multicellular organism, Caenorhabditis elegans, has been determined recently. Several more will follow soon, among them the genome sequences of Drosophila melanogaster and the human. With these achievements, the stage is set for the next phase of "large-scale" biology, the study of the function of genes and the interactions between their protein products. The aim of the Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop 29 was to discuss the contribution of...

Carbohydrates are the most widely distributed naturally-occurring organic compounds on Earth. They make up much of our food, clothing and shelter, and are as vital to national economies as they are to our diet. This book is the first broad treatment of carbohydrate chemistry in many years, and presents the structures, reactions, modifications, and properties of carbohydrates. Woven throughout the text are discussions of biological properties of carbohydrates, their industrial applications,...

Comparative investigations of mineralization and demineralization mechanisms by leading researchers give a general perspective on this interdisciplinary field of the life sciences and an introduction to current research methods and concepts. The studies are concentrated in the areas of calcium phosphate mineral formation in vertebrate bone and teeth and calcium carbonate mineral formation in coral skeletons and molluscan shells.

Nanoscience in Dermatology covers one of the two fastest growing areas within dermatological science, nanoscience and nanotechnology in dermatology. Recently, great progress has been made in the research and development of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials related to various applications in medicine and, in general, the life sciences. There is increasing enthusiasm for nanotechnology applications in dermatology (drug delivery, diagnostics, therapeutics, imaging, sensors, etc.) for underst...

The book “STEM CELL THERAPY FOR ORGAN FAILURES” edited by Dr. S. Indumathi demonstrates the In Vitro and In vivo therapeutic strategies and applications of pre- and post-natal stem cells for treating the failures of various organ systems of our body in a wide perspective. It explores the past, present and the futuristic approach of the exciting field of stem cells and its intriguing properties involved in tissue repair and regeneration. The prime focus of this volume is to unravel the basi...

There is a widespread consensus that use of antioxidants as a therapeutic approach may counteract free radical mediated pathologies. However, the role of antioxidants in normal physiology and redox signaling is still in its infancy. Since oxidative stress is related to various diseases and pathologies, scientists are eager to study the disease in humans, but it is not always ethical to study all the aspects of the disease in humans. Thus, it becomes mandatory to study the disease process a...

Blood vessels of tumors display many structural and functional abnormalities. Their unusual leakiness, potential for rapid growth and remodeling, and expression of distinctive surface molecules mediate the dissemination of tumor cells in the bloodstream and maintain the tumor microenvironment. Like normal blood vessels, they consist of endothelial cells, mural cells and their enveloping basement membrane. Common features, irrespective of their origin, size and growth pattern, are absent hi...

Molecular Nature is a richly illustrated guide to the extraordinary diversity of molecules that are responsible for life. David Goodsell, author of the highly-praised book, The Machinery of Life, has synthesized a vast amount of data in a manner that is accessible to the general reader. Molecular Nature examines topics ranging from the shape of cells to the molecules responsible for digestion, immunity, and thought. The author's unique combination of scien...