The Biological Chemistry of the Elements: The Inorganic Chemistry of Life [Paperback]

J. J. R. Fraï¿1/2sto da Silva (Author), R. J. P. Williams (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198558023 | ISBN-13: 978-0198558026 | Publication Date: May 26, 1994

The study of the chemistry of living processes has traditionally centered on the behavior of organic compounds in water - together they account for 99% of the matter in living systems. However, we also know that about twenty `inorganic' elements are also essential for life, and that they are found in similar amounts in most living systems. The authors' objective in this book is to examine and explain the importance of these elements by `bringing inorganic chemistry to life'.

The authors commence with a survey of the chemical and physical factors controlling the elements of life; the essential functions of individual inorganic elements are then described in detail. A final section consolidates a major theme of the book - the cooperative interaction of elements in living systems. These chapters examine the relationships between chemical activity and morphology and the effect that changes in the availability of elements have on life - not only in providing evolutionary pressures but also in the context of the use of medicines and the spread of pollutants.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'rich and refreshing...in addition to being a general resource, this engaging book provides an excellent text for an advanced course and should have much to teach both students and teachers. ' Nature

'Because Williams's numerous publications cut a wide swath, it is useful to have this book where his breadth of knowledge, viewpoints and insights reside conveniently in one place ... this engaging book provides an excellent text for an advanced course and should have much to teach both students and teachers.' R. Bruce Martin, University of Virginia, Nature, Vol 354, December 1991

`This account is no mere review or compendium but an original and imaginative synthesis of its subject matter. Its powerful insights will change the way the subject develops, if only because the authors sometimes run ahead of our ability to give a complete or detailed description of a given system. In short it sets a chemical framework within which biology and its evolution can be understood and interpreted.' Journal of Bioinorganic Chemistry

`I recommend this book to all biologists and I am certain that it will prove something of a literary landmark in its contribution to the understanding of biology in the future.' Trends in Biochemical Sciences

`Destined to become the bible of bio-inorganic chemistry. The Biological Chemistry of the Elements is a superb book.` Times Higher Education Supplement 3

'This is a comprehensive treatment of the role of the chemical elements ... The book will be of interest to both chemists and biologists and students of biochemistry would certainly benefit from reading it.' Aslib Book Guide, vol. 57, no. 1, January 1992

'outstanding book ... The contents are well ordered and liberally subtitled and there are many excellent tables and figures, which are all helpful to the reader. I recommend this book to all biologists and I am certain that it will prove something of a literary landmark in its contribution to the understanding of biology in the future.' Christopher Exley, University of Stirling, TIBS, April 1992

'stimulating book' Biologist

'It is a remarkable book in range and bioinorganic vision. Each section is well referenced with further reading, required for rounding-out the global perspectives presented.' Chemistry and Industry

'This book presents a novel approach to the subject of biochemistry, which is both interesting and fascinating ... practicing scientists from either biochemistry or inorganic chemistry would find this book a valuable source for relevant information regarding the impact of the other discipline on their own ... For a person working at the interface of inorganic chemistry and biochemistry this book will be extremely valuable. For others it will be an excellent reference to have at hand. The book is well written and understandable.' Edward Bellion, University of Texas at Arlington, Journal of Chemical Education

About the Author

J. J. R. Frausto da Silva, Professor of Analytical Chemistry, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade Tecnica de Lisboa. R. J. P. Williams, Royal Society Napier Research Professor, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford.

Product Details

• Paperback: 584 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 26, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198558023
• ISBN-13: 978-0198558026
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,031,516 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great info that desperately needs an editor!, May 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Biological Chemistry of the Elements: The Inorganic Chemistry of Life (Paperback)

Wow, "really readable"? You must be kidding (directed to the reviewer from Wisconsin)! The writing is dreadful - the authors repeat themselves, write 2-page long paragraphs and paragraph-long sentences, contradict themselves, and fail to adequately explain figures. Sure, we all know that scientific writing is dense, but this is truly ridiculous. Where was the editor when this book was being writtten and published? That said, this book is packed with GREAT information that you just don't find anywhere else! It really helps chemists understand how biology uses elements (especially METALS) and is thought-provoking and useful for biologists, biochemists, and geochemists. So, buy this book but don't expect a fun and easy read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent reference book, April 6, 2002

By 

grad student (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Biological Chemistry of the Elements: The Inorganic Chemistry of Life (Paperback)

I'm a fourth year going next year to grad school in bioinorganic chemistry. This is the kind of book I wanted to have as reference for a long time. It covers the biological chemistry of each element, explaining why different metals are used in different systems. It is the first book that I found in which it is explained why only Co and Ni form organometallic bonds and not the rest of the transition metals. It is true, it is a chemistry book, but that's what I needed. The figures and the language are great, and the references at the end of each chapter are very useful. It is updated (october 2001), something very important in biochemistry. In short, a great reference!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference for biochemist or inorganic chemist., January 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Biological Chemistry of the Elements: The Inorganic Chemistry of Life (Hardcover)

If you are a biochemist working on an enzyme with inorganic cofactors or an inorganic chemist with an interest in biochemistry, you'll like this book. As chemistry texts go, it's really readable, with great figures and diagrams. The authors cover chemical speciation, the possible role of evolution in cofactor incorporation, and give lots of useful references. The only down side is that this is not a book for someone with little or no background in chemistry.