Many investigations into the structure and function of cells and tissues require the isolation of a particular membrane or subcellular component (organelle). This book covers all the necessary aspects, from breaking up the cells (homogenization), via a variety of separation techniques (the isolation and fractionation chapters), to characterization of the separated organelles.

"As will be seen, there is not much missing here. I thought that the sections were well balanced, with rarely too much or too little on a given topic...This is a text to be welcomed by both teachers and students." BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION (on the first edition) The second edition of this successful textbook explains the basic principles behind the key techniques currently used in the modern biochemical laboratory and describes the pros and cons of each technique and compares one to another. It is non-mathematical, comprehensive and approachable for students who are not physical chemists. A major update of this comprehensive, accessible introduction to physical biochemistry. Includes two new chapters on proteomics and bioinformatics. Introduces experimental approaches with a minimum of mathematics and numerous practical examples. Provides a bibliography at the end of each chapter. Written by an author with many years teaching and research experience, this text is a must-have for students of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular and life sciences and food science.

Instant Notes in Biochemistry, 2/e provides an easy access to the fundamentals in this field. The book is a major update on the very successful first edition with expanded coverage of transcription, RNA processing and protein synthesis and many additional new topics. New illustrations have been added and much of the artwork has been enlarged or redrawn to aid comprehension.

Uniquely integrates the theory and practice of key experimental techniques for bioscience undergraduates. Now includes drug discovery and clinical biochemistry.

Hans Neurath has written that this is the second golden era of enzymology {Protein Science [1994], vol. 3, pp. 1734—1739); he could with justice have been more general and referred to the second golden age of protein chemistry. The last two decades have seen enormous advances in our understanding of the structures and functions of pro teins arising on the one hand from improvements and developments in analytical techniques {see the companion volume, Basic Protein and Peptide Protocols, in this series) and on the other hand from the tech nologies of molecular genetics. Far from turning the focus away from protein science, the ability to isolate, analyze, and express genes has increased interest in proteins as gene products. Hence, many laborato ries are now getting involved in protein isolation for the first time, either as an essential adjunct to their work in molecular genetics or because of a curiosity to know more about the products of the genes that they have been studying. Protein Purification Protocols is aimed mainly at these newcom ers to protein purification, but it is hoped that it will also be of value to established practitioners who may find here techniques that they have not tried, but which might well be most applicable in their work. With the exception mainly of the first and last chapters, the format of the contributions to the present book conform to the established format of the Methods in Molecular Biology series.

Biological and medical research relies upon an integrated understanding of the molecules within cells and of the interactions between cells. This has imposed great demands on investigators. Being an expert in a relatively narrow area is no longer sufficient as many studies now require the use of a wide range of techniques to provide the necessary integration. A lack of familiarity with the experimental possibilities can make such diversification difficult to achieve. This two volume set of Essential Cell Biology is designed to help researchers overcome these problems. It has not been possible to include all of the techniques available in cell biology so the challenge was to identify those that might be most relevant to researchers who are new to this topic. We have tried to cover both traditional and more recent approaches. The theory and basic principles of each technique are described, together with detailed protocols and advice for trouble shooting. Directions to more specialised techniques are also included. We hope the result inspires readers to experience the challenges and rewards of cell biology research for themselves and to contribute to the ongoing task of understanding the life of the cell. Essential Cell Biology volume 1 focuses on techniques for studying cell structure whilst volume 2 concentrates on understanding how the cell functions. Volume 1 details the essential background information and protocols for observing and understanding cell morphology and cell structure, including, for example, investigations of nucleic acids, lipids, and the cytoskeleton. This is the essential guide to cell biology for researchers new to the field.

This book "provides a fast way for the reader to acquaint themselves with the main facts and concepts of the subject. Expanded topics include cell structure and imaging, microarrays, proteomics and signal transduction."-- back cover.

This cutting-edge book presents protocols and strategies for proteomic evaluation of cardiovascular disease written by pioneering researchers in the field. Topics explored in this comprehensive volume include obtaining specific heart proteins, techniques for identifying risk biomarkers of atherome plaque rupture, analyzing the secretome of explanted endarterectomies cultured in vitro, and phage display techniques for deciphering the molecular diversity of blood vessels.

Adipose tissue is recognized to be exquisitely sensitive to hormone action, and is also now recognized as a secretory and endocrine organ required for reproduction and good health. Adipocytes are “smart” cells able within the tissue to communicate with surrounding cells, but also with various organs, particularly via leptin acting on the central nervous system. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) are known to be distinct tissues, whereas the heterogeneity of WAT depots is well est- lished. Unfortunately, excess WAT leads to obesity, which is the most common health problem in industrialized countries. Therefore, from both a scientific and a technical point of view, the time has come to create a survey of adipose tissues and their neglected adipocytes. In Adipose Tissue Protocols, I have attempted to gather together chapters from all areas of adipose tissue research—from in vivo to in vitro studies—and to provide methods covering a wide variety of techniques, including the choice of adipose tissue depot and of morphological techniques for the study of BAT and WAT; the isolation, subcellular fractionation, and transfection of adipocytes where the low density of these cells must be taken into account; assays of nutrient and ion fluxes and the metabolic aspects of nutrient uptake; assays of lipid-related enzymes; biopsies and quantification of lipid-related mRNAs; cultures of adipose precursor cells from WAT and BAT of various species, including human tissue; measurements of adipose secretory products; and assessment of WAT metabolism in vivo.

Recent advances in two-dimensional electrophoresis, protein microanalysis and bioinformatics have made the large-scale, systematic analysis of proteins and their post-translational modifications from any tissue or organism possible. This approach has acquired the name "Proteome Research", and can be considered as the core of functional genomics. The results of proteome analysis show which genes are expressed, how the protein products are modified, and how they interact, making proteome research of fundamental importance for the biologist, clinician, and pharmaceutical industry.