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Methods of enzymatic analysis, 3rd edn, vol. IX: Proteins and peptides, vol. X: Antigens and antibodies
81
Book reviews New A p p r o a c h e s to Research on Cereal Carb o h y d r a t e s , edited b y R . D . Hill a n d I. M u n c k . Elsevier Science Publishers, A m s t e r d a m , 1985, 416 p., U S $ 1 0 1 . 7 5 The contents of this book correspond to the seminars given during the International Congress on New Approaches to Research on Cereal Carbohydrates held in Copenhagen, 24-29 June, 1984. The principle cereal polysaecharides, such as starch, fl-glucans, pentosans (glucuronoarabinoxylan), hemicelluloses and cellulose, were treated in 38 communications, dealing essentially with their biosynthesis, composition, structure, enzymatic degradation, as well as recent technological transformations, such as the production of ethanol or plastic (from starch), the hydrogen fluoride hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass from wheat straw, the use Of straw cellulose compared to that of wood for the fabrication of paper, etc. Several exposes, concerning the role of cereal glucides in human and animal nutrition (6), the teaching of carbohydrate chemistry at the university level and future research in this field (3), complete the volume. The authors of the articles are, for the most part, internationally recognized specialists in their fields. This leads, in most cases, to excellent reviews of the work accomplished during the past ten years. This book has the ,tuv~tl~t~t~ ot ovm~ a hi,my ~;ont;ls~ dot;umcnt uCamlg with the principle cereal polysaccharides and some recent methodologies and technologies. In contrast, original studies are not to be found in this volume and the most recent reports are cited in the bibliography. It is for this reason, although the book is entitled volume I in a new series, Progress in Biotechnology, the reader will update his knowledge of the characterization of the different polysaceharides, their modifications during the course of already existing technologies, their future in human and animal nutrition, but, he will not find original ideas for the development of new biotechnologies. . . . , I. . .
a. . . . .
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AbrEg6 de C h i m i e A n a l y t i q u e , ~. 2. MEthodes de SEparation, by G. M a h u z i e r and M. H a m o n . M a s s o n , Paris, 1986, F F 116 It may seem elementary to present biochemists with an abridged text for analytical chemistry. However, this second volume is devoted to methods of separation, and their are very few studies that do not have recourse to
these techniques at their onset. The strength of this book is that it examines these methods from a general point of view, capable of orienting the reader toward a certain type of technology and providing, if not all the small details, at least the broad outline. In this context, osmosis and dialysis, counter current, the diverse chromatographies and electrophoreses are, among others, and notably for biochemists, a good source of information. Undoubtedly, the specific methods described in papers, when they are indeed presented in sufficient detail and in a more useful manner, and specialized books are not replaced by this volume, but this publication nonetheless merits a slot in a general library.
Y. Raoul
Methods of Enzymatic Analysis, 3rd Edn, Vol. IX: Proteins and Peptides, Vol. X: Antigens and Antibodies, edited by H.U. Bergmeyer. V C H Verlagsgesellschaft, W e i n h e i m , 1985, Vol. IX D M 310, Vol. X D M 295 These books present recent enzymo-immunological techniques used to measure proteins, peptides, antigens s'~nx-I
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not be used in a routine manner, it is essential thai their principles and their field of application be known to all who dose proteins using enzymes as markers. These two volumes can, in a way, be used as an operating manual for technicians or biologists specialized in medical analyses. Although the list of medical analyses described (transport proteins, regulatory proteins, hormon;fl proteins, peptides, antigens and antibodies) are far from exhaustive, one can ask what criteria were used to select the biological parameters described in these books. In fact, several are already out of date and others are not included (venereal diseases, for example). It is also surprising that a certain number of recent enzymatic techniques using either optic fibers or transistors with a field effect (Ifset or Chemset) have been forgotten. The general organization of the text and the clearness of the plan followed for the presentation of these techniques (method design, equipmem, reagents and solutions, procedure, validation of method, appendix) facilitate the consultation and comprehension of these books. It should be noted that the bibliography is a bit out of date. Due to the diversity and the nature of the substances dosed, these books will be of interest to many potential users or technical personnel. They will find therein indispensible methodological information. The reader will
82
Book reviews
also appreciate the highly descriptive uniformity of the illustrations. Although the totality of these books was assembled by authors highly recognized in the international scientific community, the impasse leading to the choice of some authors is regrettable. The essential value of these works is their excellent presentation of analyses and enzymatic methods. The biologist oriented towards medical analyses will find a long summary of the principles, bringing to light their strengths and weaknesses. J.L. Boiteux
Genetic Manipulation o f Streptomyces: A L a b o r a t o r y M a n u a l , edited by D.A. H o p w o o d , M . J . Bibb, K.F. Chater, T. Kieser, C.J. Bruton, H . M . Kieser, D.J. Lydiate, C.P. Smith, J.M. Ward and H. Schrempf. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring H a r b o r , N.Y., 1985, 356 p. This book, as is clearly indicated in the title, is above all else a laboratory manual, gathering a broad array of techniques related to the genetic manipulation of Streptomyces. Thus, it is not in this volume that one searches for general information concerning the genetics of Streptornyces or the techniques to be used for cloning genes. General reviews on these subjects exist already and can easily be consulted. In contrast, it is interesting to regroup in a single volume the totality of the techniques for the genetic manipulation of Streptomyces used by the specialists. This book, with only a few exceptions, is a recompilation of all the experimental protocols used at the John Innes Institute. It presents the techniques, written by the specialists in the form of protocols, and in almost all cases having the same subdivisions, i.e., (1) general considerations (if necessary), (2) list of required materials (biological, chemical, small apparatuses or major equipment), (3) the methodology itself, and (4) notes on the protocol. The different steps of a technique are always completely delineated and the presence of an asterisk refers the reader to the notes on the protocol. The latter corresponds, in most cases, to personal and personalized comments directly concerning the techniques, the possible variations of these techniques with the advantages and the disadvantages, remarks concerning the precautions to be taken in handling certain products, etc. It should also be noted that, most of the time, these techniques require the use of specific reagents or buffers whose composition is found in the list of materials and whose use is clearly indicated in the protocol. However, when a buffer or medium is common to several techniques, its description and composition are found in the general index. Finally, in light of the specialization of the authors, it should be pointed out that these techniques are those which were perfected and are used directly on the strains studied at the John Innes Institute, i.e., Streptomyces
coelicolor and Streptomyces lividans. On the contrary, for the other species, given the very wide variety of strains and substances (antibiotics, enzymes) produced, it is most probable that the protocols must be adapted accordingly. This book, purely technique, should be of interest to a large number of researchers. In the first place, those with experience in the biology of Streptomyces (taxonomy, ecology, metabolism, production of antibiotics) and who want to use the genetics and molecular biology techniques to analyze a system or develop new strains. Specialists in the field of molecular biology will be equally interested, in particular those who have worked with E. coli or other strains and who need to know the particularities of the Streptomyces genus, as a material source for genetic manipulations. This book includes a list of references strictly limited to the techniques used (130 references of which 55 are signed by the authors of this volume) and many tables presenting the actions of restriction enzymes on the different plasmid DNAs used. P. Bourlioux
Membranes Biologiques: Structure, Transports, Bio~nerg~tique, by E. Shechter. Masson, Paris, 1985, 221 p. This book is aimed at undergraduate students. However, it can equally well be used by researchers wishing to update their knowledge in the field of biomembranes and cellular energetics. The first part concerns the structure and dynamics of the membrane. In a manner remarkably clear and concise, with carefully chosen examples and references, the author provides a digest of modern concepts on membrane fluidity and asymmetry, as well as on widely tested methods permitting an approach to membrane topography. The second part treats membrane transport. The basics of thermodynamics are called upon to guide the reader through the mechanisms of the principle types of transport, using a limited number of well-chosen examples. The third part addresses membrane bioenergetics. The modern ideas concerning above all, oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation are developed within the context of Mitchell's chemio-osmotic theory. Here again, the author uses precise examples based upon an easily comprehensible methodology. The general references, selected with great attention, are appreciated, as is the very rich index. In short, this is an excellent book which should benefit a wide audience. P. Vignais
Book reviews New A p p r o a c h e s to Research on Cereal Carb o h y d r a t e s , edited b y R . D . Hill a n d I. M u n c k . Elsevier Science Publishers, A m s t e r d a m , 1985, 416 p., U S $ 1 0 1 . 7 5 The contents of this book correspond to the seminars given during the International Congress on New Approaches to Research on Cereal Carbohydrates held in Copenhagen, 24-29 June, 1984. The principle cereal polysaecharides, such as starch, fl-glucans, pentosans (glucuronoarabinoxylan), hemicelluloses and cellulose, were treated in 38 communications, dealing essentially with their biosynthesis, composition, structure, enzymatic degradation, as well as recent technological transformations, such as the production of ethanol or plastic (from starch), the hydrogen fluoride hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass from wheat straw, the use Of straw cellulose compared to that of wood for the fabrication of paper, etc. Several exposes, concerning the role of cereal glucides in human and animal nutrition (6), the teaching of carbohydrate chemistry at the university level and future research in this field (3), complete the volume. The authors of the articles are, for the most part, internationally recognized specialists in their fields. This leads, in most cases, to excellent reviews of the work accomplished during the past ten years. This book has the ,tuv~tl~t~t~ ot ovm~ a hi,my ~;ont;ls~ dot;umcnt uCamlg with the principle cereal polysaccharides and some recent methodologies and technologies. In contrast, original studies are not to be found in this volume and the most recent reports are cited in the bibliography. It is for this reason, although the book is entitled volume I in a new series, Progress in Biotechnology, the reader will update his knowledge of the characterization of the different polysaceharides, their modifications during the course of already existing technologies, their future in human and animal nutrition, but, he will not find original ideas for the development of new biotechnologies. . . . , I. . .
a. . . . .
£" t-__"
L -'-- LI
--
. . . .
-" .
.
.
.
..t
, -'---
C. Mercier
AbrEg6 de C h i m i e A n a l y t i q u e , ~. 2. MEthodes de SEparation, by G. M a h u z i e r and M. H a m o n . M a s s o n , Paris, 1986, F F 116 It may seem elementary to present biochemists with an abridged text for analytical chemistry. However, this second volume is devoted to methods of separation, and their are very few studies that do not have recourse to
these techniques at their onset. The strength of this book is that it examines these methods from a general point of view, capable of orienting the reader toward a certain type of technology and providing, if not all the small details, at least the broad outline. In this context, osmosis and dialysis, counter current, the diverse chromatographies and electrophoreses are, among others, and notably for biochemists, a good source of information. Undoubtedly, the specific methods described in papers, when they are indeed presented in sufficient detail and in a more useful manner, and specialized books are not replaced by this volume, but this publication nonetheless merits a slot in a general library.
Y. Raoul
Methods of Enzymatic Analysis, 3rd Edn, Vol. IX: Proteins and Peptides, Vol. X: Antigens and Antibodies, edited by H.U. Bergmeyer. V C H Verlagsgesellschaft, W e i n h e i m , 1985, Vol. IX D M 310, Vol. X D M 295 These books present recent enzymo-immunological techniques used to measure proteins, peptides, antigens s'~nx-I
ont~][~x'~rl;~e
II~l.liWhl I ~ I I l l I l I ~ V I ~ I l l l l I # I 3 1
A
|fhAtxo]['~
• ~]IIIliWIJII~I~ii
en~nt'Ja
x'l~" t'haea
131~.lrliilb~ I1~II
I*
~I~OWII~
tl-a~'ln;~,'~tt~c
,o,~n_
not be used in a routine manner, it is essential thai their principles and their field of application be known to all who dose proteins using enzymes as markers. These two volumes can, in a way, be used as an operating manual for technicians or biologists specialized in medical analyses. Although the list of medical analyses described (transport proteins, regulatory proteins, hormon;fl proteins, peptides, antigens and antibodies) are far from exhaustive, one can ask what criteria were used to select the biological parameters described in these books. In fact, several are already out of date and others are not included (venereal diseases, for example). It is also surprising that a certain number of recent enzymatic techniques using either optic fibers or transistors with a field effect (Ifset or Chemset) have been forgotten. The general organization of the text and the clearness of the plan followed for the presentation of these techniques (method design, equipmem, reagents and solutions, procedure, validation of method, appendix) facilitate the consultation and comprehension of these books. It should be noted that the bibliography is a bit out of date. Due to the diversity and the nature of the substances dosed, these books will be of interest to many potential users or technical personnel. They will find therein indispensible methodological information. The reader will
82
Book reviews
also appreciate the highly descriptive uniformity of the illustrations. Although the totality of these books was assembled by authors highly recognized in the international scientific community, the impasse leading to the choice of some authors is regrettable. The essential value of these works is their excellent presentation of analyses and enzymatic methods. The biologist oriented towards medical analyses will find a long summary of the principles, bringing to light their strengths and weaknesses. J.L. Boiteux
Genetic Manipulation o f Streptomyces: A L a b o r a t o r y M a n u a l , edited by D.A. H o p w o o d , M . J . Bibb, K.F. Chater, T. Kieser, C.J. Bruton, H . M . Kieser, D.J. Lydiate, C.P. Smith, J.M. Ward and H. Schrempf. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring H a r b o r , N.Y., 1985, 356 p. This book, as is clearly indicated in the title, is above all else a laboratory manual, gathering a broad array of techniques related to the genetic manipulation of Streptomyces. Thus, it is not in this volume that one searches for general information concerning the genetics of Streptornyces or the techniques to be used for cloning genes. General reviews on these subjects exist already and can easily be consulted. In contrast, it is interesting to regroup in a single volume the totality of the techniques for the genetic manipulation of Streptomyces used by the specialists. This book, with only a few exceptions, is a recompilation of all the experimental protocols used at the John Innes Institute. It presents the techniques, written by the specialists in the form of protocols, and in almost all cases having the same subdivisions, i.e., (1) general considerations (if necessary), (2) list of required materials (biological, chemical, small apparatuses or major equipment), (3) the methodology itself, and (4) notes on the protocol. The different steps of a technique are always completely delineated and the presence of an asterisk refers the reader to the notes on the protocol. The latter corresponds, in most cases, to personal and personalized comments directly concerning the techniques, the possible variations of these techniques with the advantages and the disadvantages, remarks concerning the precautions to be taken in handling certain products, etc. It should also be noted that, most of the time, these techniques require the use of specific reagents or buffers whose composition is found in the list of materials and whose use is clearly indicated in the protocol. However, when a buffer or medium is common to several techniques, its description and composition are found in the general index. Finally, in light of the specialization of the authors, it should be pointed out that these techniques are those which were perfected and are used directly on the strains studied at the John Innes Institute, i.e., Streptomyces
coelicolor and Streptomyces lividans. On the contrary, for the other species, given the very wide variety of strains and substances (antibiotics, enzymes) produced, it is most probable that the protocols must be adapted accordingly. This book, purely technique, should be of interest to a large number of researchers. In the first place, those with experience in the biology of Streptomyces (taxonomy, ecology, metabolism, production of antibiotics) and who want to use the genetics and molecular biology techniques to analyze a system or develop new strains. Specialists in the field of molecular biology will be equally interested, in particular those who have worked with E. coli or other strains and who need to know the particularities of the Streptomyces genus, as a material source for genetic manipulations. This book includes a list of references strictly limited to the techniques used (130 references of which 55 are signed by the authors of this volume) and many tables presenting the actions of restriction enzymes on the different plasmid DNAs used. P. Bourlioux
Membranes Biologiques: Structure, Transports, Bio~nerg~tique, by E. Shechter. Masson, Paris, 1985, 221 p. This book is aimed at undergraduate students. However, it can equally well be used by researchers wishing to update their knowledge in the field of biomembranes and cellular energetics. The first part concerns the structure and dynamics of the membrane. In a manner remarkably clear and concise, with carefully chosen examples and references, the author provides a digest of modern concepts on membrane fluidity and asymmetry, as well as on widely tested methods permitting an approach to membrane topography. The second part treats membrane transport. The basics of thermodynamics are called upon to guide the reader through the mechanisms of the principle types of transport, using a limited number of well-chosen examples. The third part addresses membrane bioenergetics. The modern ideas concerning above all, oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation are developed within the context of Mitchell's chemio-osmotic theory. Here again, the author uses precise examples based upon an easily comprehensible methodology. The general references, selected with great attention, are appreciated, as is the very rich index. In short, this is an excellent book which should benefit a wide audience. P. Vignais