Understanding Biochemical Pathways

Understanding Biochemical Pathways: A Pattern-Recognition Approach is designed to serve as a companion text to standard biochemistry textbooks. The book lays out a clear methodology for mastering biochemical pathways through pattern recognition, as well as how specific enzymes are named. The approach is illustrated through particular examples of pathways in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Students will learn about oxidation state patterns, and metabolism and glycolysis. They will study the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. They will also explore the electron transport chain, gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway. The final chapters are devoted to fatty acid oxidation, and ketone body and fatty acid synthesis.

Understanding Biochemical Pathways provides readers with a set of critical questions regarding any specific pathway that, when answered, enable them to understand the “big picture” of that metabolic pathway, and how pathways are regulated and integrated. The book is an excellent addition to any course in biochemistry, particularly undergraduate courses, as well as in nutrition, medical, and nursing programs.