Comparative Biochemistry: A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume II: Free Energy and Biological Function focuses on methodologies, processes, and mechanisms involved in the biological transformations of energy. Composed of contributions of various authors, the book first discusses free energy and the biosynthesis of phosphates. The thermodynamics of phosphoryl and phosphate transfer reactions; enzymatic synthesis of phosphates; and phosphoryl transfer sequences in metabolism are considered. The selection also looks at the utilization of free energy in the biosynthesis of saccharides, proteins, and peptides; ammonia metabolism; and biosynthesis of urea. The book also describes muscular contraction. The structure of myofibril; protein components of myofibril; localization of myofibrillar components; contraction of adenosine triphosphate; and adenosine triphosphatases of muscles are discussed. Other mechanisms that produce movements are also noted. The text ends with discussions on experiments on active transport, balance of electrocytes and water, mechanisms of osmoregulation, bioluminescence, and nerve conduction and electrical discharge. The book is a good source of data for readers interested in studying free energy.
