Thursday, 17 October 2013

Amino acids: Biochemistry and Nutrition

Amino acid biochemistry and nutrition are interesting, dynamic, and challenging subjects in biological sciences. They span a wide range from chemistry, metabolism, and physiology to reproduction, immunology, pathology, and cell biology. In the nearly half-century since the last two volumes of the monograph Biochemistry of the Amino Acids were published by Alton Meister in 1965, this field has developed rap­idly. Important technical and conceptual advances include (1) the analysis of amino acids by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry; (2) isoto­pic measurements of synthesis and degradation of proteins and amino acids in cells, tissues, and the whole body; (3) interorgan metabolism of amino acids involving key tissues and organs such as liver, skeletal muscles, small intestine, and kidneys; (4) amino acids in cell signaling and regulation of gene expression; (5) nonlysosomal protein degradation by ATP- and ubiquitin-dependent multicatalytic proteasomes; (6) molecular and cellular regulation of intracellular protein turnover and amino acid metabolism; (7) determination of true ileal digestibilities of amino acids; (8) molecu­lar cloning of transporters for amino acids and small peptides; (9) development of the ideal protein concept; and (10) elucidation of dietary requirements of functional amino acids by humans and other animals. Comprehensive and systematic coverage of these new scientific developments in a well-organized book will benefit research­ers and students in both biomedical and agricultural disciplines to improve health and the nutritional value of foods.

Amino Acids: Biochemistry and Nutrition consists of 13 chapters. The text starts with the discoveries and basic concepts of amino acids, peptides, and proteins. It then advances to protein digestion in the gastrointestinal tract and the absorption of small peptides and free amino acids in the small intestine.




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