Biophysical Chemistry

This fully revised and expanded second edition of a highly popular book covers the physical chemistry of biological macromolecules and how this may be studied using up-to-date instrumental techniques. The experimental approach used here reflects the way science actually works, especially in a developing field that does not yet have the rigorous theoretical understanding sometimes found in more mature areas of chemistry. This makes biophysical chemistry both fascinating and fun, posing interesting challenges for both theoretical and experimental scientists. This updated edition includes a new chapter on diffraction and microscopy, covering recent developments in a range of biomolecular imaging techniques. The section on circular dichroism has been fully revised to conform to more up-to-date convention and the section on multi-dimensional NMR has been enhanced. These revisions give the student an overview of the range of techniques available, together with the underlying physical basis, sufficient to act as a platform for more detailed treatment elsewhere. Other updates include recent developments arising from genome projects and a new section on foams and surfactants reflecting recent advances in biofoams, with topical marginal notes and a brief explanation of surface tension. The note about units has been expanded to include other commonly used non-SI units (eg the calorie). The "References" and "Further Reading" sections have been updated for all chapters and the marginal notes revised and amended, with new background material added where appropriate. The level adopted in this tutorial text is suitable for early undergraduate years in chemical or physical sciences. However, since this interdisciplinary topic is often postponed to later years, the book can also act as a basis for more advanced study. Students in other areas of the biological sciences will also appreciate the less intimidating approach to physical chemistry in the book.