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Molecular biology: The biochemistry of plants
201
Literature
Essays In Biochemistry, edited by RD Marshall, KF Tipton, Academic Press, 1989, pp 261, vol 24, £ 16.00 This volume is the 24th in a series published by the Biochemical Society. It comprises 4 reviews, ranging between 41 and 110 pages, covering subjects as diverse as the clinical use of asparaginase in the treatment of leukaemia, bioluminescence, liguin biodegradation and peroxisomal ~-oxidation. The topics are covered by authors who are obviously knowledgeable and experienced researchers in their field. The scope of each review is rather broad (eg biochemistry, ecology, evolution and practical applications of bioluminescence), and strives to cover applied as well as basic aspects of each subject. In some of the papers, the austerity of biochemical arguments is alleviated by anecdotal comments. Did you know that chemi- and bioluminescenee could find applications in the manufacturing of luminous golfballs and the adornment of night-club hostesses? Thus, the articles provide adequate updates for biochemists and biologists from a va-riety of fields. At the same time, scientists working in related areas will find useful, ff not necessarily exhaustive, reviews of the topics presented. JP Aubert
Biochemical Adaptation in Parasites, edited by C Bryant, C Behm. Chapman and Hall, 1989, pp 259, US $ 35.00
This book attempts to review the biochemical and metabolic pathways observed among parasites, and to give a survey of the ways in which parasites differ from their host. This is a formidable task, since the number of parasite species is incredibly large. The first very interesting chapter tends to clarify the concept of parasitism, and the role of parasites in evolution. Many factors are considered, and the reader will surely appreciate the clear analysis of various parameters involved in the survival of a species. The following chapter deals with energy metabolism, A brief review of special pathways of energy metabolism in protozoa and helminths highlights the fact that many aspects of energy metabolism are unique to parasites. The third chapter reviews the various aspects of uptake and digestion of nutrients. The description of the specialized mechanisms for uptake and absorption of nutrients at the surface of helminths is very interesting. A good review is given on purine and pyrimidine metabolism. The chapter concerning host immunity and adaptation is less convincing. It deals too often with hypothetical situations and lacks many of the available experimental data. Most references are over 2 years old and some of tl, e data presented has now been amended. It is true, however, that, as said by the authors: "There are as yet no methods available whereby immune status can be reliably assessed among the natural populations" and thus this problem is a very complicated one. In chapter 5, some metabolic pathways are identified as potential targets for drug attack. The field of parasites is so large and species have diverged so early in evolution that generalizations cannot be made. Thus, this book suffers from certain unavoidable imprecisions. The comparison or even coexistence in this book of such diverging species is often
reduced to an academic game, since parasitism is their only common characteristic. I am therefore afraid that any parasitologist specialized in one or the other disease will find that several domains are clearly insufficientlydocumented. The other side of the coin however is that this book provides those specialists with a good comprehensive review on metabolic pathways specific in many other parasitic species. On the whole, parasite biochemistry is clearly reviewed in terms of evolution and adaptative solutions. Biochemical variation is widespread among parasites. One must not forget, as the authors say "it is sometimes almost impossible to distinguish whether variation is strictly genetic or environmental or a combination of both". To clarify the molecular keys of these variations is of greatest importance in epidemiology as well as in any control measure that one may envisage against parasitic diseases. 0 ,~,lercereau-Pulj alon
Molecular Biology: The Biochemistry of Plants, edited by A Marcus. Academic Press, 1989, pp 722, vol 15
In 1980 an 8-volume series entitled "The Biochemistry of Plants: A Comprehensive Treatise" was published by Academic Press. This book, subtitled Molecular Biology, is the 15th volume of this treatise and is an update and continuation of the 6th volume, entitled Proteins and Nucleic Acids, of the 1980's series. The first treatise contained more background information whereas these new volumes were intended to contain updates of rapidly evolving subjects and also insights into new areas. However, so much progress has been made since that time in understanding and describing plant gene systems that this volume rather gives a summary and background information on this new field of research which has exploded since 1980, namely plant molecular biology. The book is roughly divided into 5 sections. The first one, together with a very interesting chapter on transposable elements, describes the general organization and expression of the plant genuine based on reassociation kinetics and hybridization experiments. The second part deals with the structure of the organelle (chloroplast and mitochondria) genomes and the regulation of their expression. This field of research has made enormous progress in the past decade and we now have a good knowledge of these genomes. The third part deals with the structure, expression and molecular biology of some proteins (seed storage proteins, thaumatins, cytoskeletal proteins, calmodulin, stress-induced and cell wall proteins). Some of these excellent chapters are of general interest and provide more fundamental information while some are more applied especially the short and exciting chapter on the sweet-tasting protein thaumatin which is of great interest for industrial applications. A fourth part deals with plant viruses and viroids as well as tumor formation in plants following Agrobacterium infection. The last chapter, which could have been much more detailed, describes some new insights into plant cell manipulation (protoplast manipulation, mutant selection and plant transformation). In summary, this book provides a good survey and update of this rapidly evolving field; plant molecular biology. However, one should be aware that some information given in this book could become rapidly obsolete as for any book dealing with genome
209_ expression and structure. Additionally, one could regret the absence of a chapter summarizing what is known of the sequences of plant gene regulatory elements. C Meyer
Molecular Aspects of Human Disease, edited by JW Gorrod, O Albano, S Papa. Ellis Horwood, 1989, pp 279, vol 1, £ 39.95 The proceedings of the International Conference on Molecular Approaches to Human Diseases are collected in these 2 volumes. The topics were quite different, the unifying theme being the molecular basis of the aetiology, pathogenesis or treatment of diverse diseases. Around 70 contributions represent an up-to-date and comprehensive coverage in many areas in the form of small (and inegai) reviews. Some provide significant help for investigations interested in attacking human diseases from their essential nature rather than merely their symptoms, others concentrate to a large extent on a review of the subject only. In summary, the two volumes provide an example of how essential it is to proceed in biological or medical science with the rigorous appfication of basic research. G Marchal
Adoptive Cellular lmmunotherapy of Cancer, edited by HC Stevenson. Marcel Dekker, 1989, pp 264, vo148, $ 89.75 (US and Canada) i07.50 (all other countries) During the last decade, immunologists and oncologists have made important progress in understanding immune response against tumor cells. A better understanding of cell interaction complexity within the immune system and in particular the way effeetor cells interact with tumor cells, in order to kill them, considerably accounts for this progress. In that sense, Adoptive Cellular Immunotherapy of Cancer attempts to give an overview of recent advances in such advancing disciplines. Con,~'ibutions are from 31 outstanding scientists dividing this textbook into 14 chapters, including diverse fields such as clinical trials and culture techniques and concluding with a chapter on challenges and future perspectives. One of the main qualities of this textbook is that it accomplishes this challenge with success, by offering the reader a complete account of the present state of our knowledge. It constitutes, in our opinion, an essential aid for undergraduate and postgraduate students and could also be useful for teaching professors. The aim of this work is to emphasize concepts without ignoring research developments. The first chapter includes a complete overview of the action of killer cells against malignant cells and of their regulation by different cytokines. The following chapters focus mainly on lymphokine-activated killer lymphocytes (LAK cells), activated killer monocytes and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.
Culture conditions are analyzed in detail in the next chapter and contribute important clues for a reader who is not familiar with these techniques. An excellent review of the state-of-the-art, concerning clinical trials is dispensed in several chapters. Chapter 13 is devoted to studying the role of nurse laboratory technicians and other personnel, in the execution of adoptive cell immunotherapy. This subject is covered in depth, and discussions cover important aspects of this new biotherapy. Future perspectives are discussed by HC Stevenson who proposes guidelines and future directions for development of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. Overall, this book represents a fair overview of present knowledge in this field. Authors and editor have succeeded in producing a useful and worthwhile text. G Dighiers
Elements of Molecular Neurobiology, edited by COM Smith, John Wiley & Sons, 1989, pp 534 This book is an introductory account of a rapidly expanding subject, the molecular approach to the structure, function and development of the brain. It begins with an outline of the brain organization and its cellular elements. The following chapters rapidly present the 2 types of "informational" macromolecules: proteins and nucleic acids. It then describes the possibilities of "manipulating" biomolecules, and shows how this ability is now widely applied to the nervous system. The core of the book is the description of up-to-date knowledge on the diverse structural elements that compose nerve communication. Molecular elements crucial for information processing in the brain have been divided into several families: biomembranes, pumps, voltage-gated channels, ligand-gated channels, G-coupled receptors. Each of these families is considered in some detail in separate chapters. The book gives clear and well-documented information on the structure and function of these macromolecules. It is an excellent starting point for the synthesis of structural elements that allow neurons to communicate, such as subsequently described. The following chapters give more classical, although up-to-date information, on electrical properties of nerves, sensory transduction, biochemistry of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and the functioning of a synapse. The book finally shows how molecular neurobiology has been applied, with variable success, to the understanding of several questions, including the morphogenesis of the brain (with special reference to growth factors and adhesion molecules), memory, and several neurological and psychological pathologies. This book is accessible to a broad readership. As the field it intends to cover is extremely wide, one might find it quite succinct on some particular questions. However, it does not pretend to be exhaustive. It is generally clear and well illustrated and will surely be of grea: support, not only to students beginning in the field of neurobiology but also to many neuroscientists who are not familiar with molecular biology. It has indeed become an absolute necessity in all fields of neuroscience (neurophysiology, neuroanatomy...) to keep up with the development of tools and concepts in molecular neurobiology. JP Changeau
Literature
Essays In Biochemistry, edited by RD Marshall, KF Tipton, Academic Press, 1989, pp 261, vol 24, £ 16.00 This volume is the 24th in a series published by the Biochemical Society. It comprises 4 reviews, ranging between 41 and 110 pages, covering subjects as diverse as the clinical use of asparaginase in the treatment of leukaemia, bioluminescence, liguin biodegradation and peroxisomal ~-oxidation. The topics are covered by authors who are obviously knowledgeable and experienced researchers in their field. The scope of each review is rather broad (eg biochemistry, ecology, evolution and practical applications of bioluminescence), and strives to cover applied as well as basic aspects of each subject. In some of the papers, the austerity of biochemical arguments is alleviated by anecdotal comments. Did you know that chemi- and bioluminescenee could find applications in the manufacturing of luminous golfballs and the adornment of night-club hostesses? Thus, the articles provide adequate updates for biochemists and biologists from a va-riety of fields. At the same time, scientists working in related areas will find useful, ff not necessarily exhaustive, reviews of the topics presented. JP Aubert
Biochemical Adaptation in Parasites, edited by C Bryant, C Behm. Chapman and Hall, 1989, pp 259, US $ 35.00
This book attempts to review the biochemical and metabolic pathways observed among parasites, and to give a survey of the ways in which parasites differ from their host. This is a formidable task, since the number of parasite species is incredibly large. The first very interesting chapter tends to clarify the concept of parasitism, and the role of parasites in evolution. Many factors are considered, and the reader will surely appreciate the clear analysis of various parameters involved in the survival of a species. The following chapter deals with energy metabolism, A brief review of special pathways of energy metabolism in protozoa and helminths highlights the fact that many aspects of energy metabolism are unique to parasites. The third chapter reviews the various aspects of uptake and digestion of nutrients. The description of the specialized mechanisms for uptake and absorption of nutrients at the surface of helminths is very interesting. A good review is given on purine and pyrimidine metabolism. The chapter concerning host immunity and adaptation is less convincing. It deals too often with hypothetical situations and lacks many of the available experimental data. Most references are over 2 years old and some of tl, e data presented has now been amended. It is true, however, that, as said by the authors: "There are as yet no methods available whereby immune status can be reliably assessed among the natural populations" and thus this problem is a very complicated one. In chapter 5, some metabolic pathways are identified as potential targets for drug attack. The field of parasites is so large and species have diverged so early in evolution that generalizations cannot be made. Thus, this book suffers from certain unavoidable imprecisions. The comparison or even coexistence in this book of such diverging species is often
reduced to an academic game, since parasitism is their only common characteristic. I am therefore afraid that any parasitologist specialized in one or the other disease will find that several domains are clearly insufficientlydocumented. The other side of the coin however is that this book provides those specialists with a good comprehensive review on metabolic pathways specific in many other parasitic species. On the whole, parasite biochemistry is clearly reviewed in terms of evolution and adaptative solutions. Biochemical variation is widespread among parasites. One must not forget, as the authors say "it is sometimes almost impossible to distinguish whether variation is strictly genetic or environmental or a combination of both". To clarify the molecular keys of these variations is of greatest importance in epidemiology as well as in any control measure that one may envisage against parasitic diseases. 0 ,~,lercereau-Pulj alon
Molecular Biology: The Biochemistry of Plants, edited by A Marcus. Academic Press, 1989, pp 722, vol 15
In 1980 an 8-volume series entitled "The Biochemistry of Plants: A Comprehensive Treatise" was published by Academic Press. This book, subtitled Molecular Biology, is the 15th volume of this treatise and is an update and continuation of the 6th volume, entitled Proteins and Nucleic Acids, of the 1980's series. The first treatise contained more background information whereas these new volumes were intended to contain updates of rapidly evolving subjects and also insights into new areas. However, so much progress has been made since that time in understanding and describing plant gene systems that this volume rather gives a summary and background information on this new field of research which has exploded since 1980, namely plant molecular biology. The book is roughly divided into 5 sections. The first one, together with a very interesting chapter on transposable elements, describes the general organization and expression of the plant genuine based on reassociation kinetics and hybridization experiments. The second part deals with the structure of the organelle (chloroplast and mitochondria) genomes and the regulation of their expression. This field of research has made enormous progress in the past decade and we now have a good knowledge of these genomes. The third part deals with the structure, expression and molecular biology of some proteins (seed storage proteins, thaumatins, cytoskeletal proteins, calmodulin, stress-induced and cell wall proteins). Some of these excellent chapters are of general interest and provide more fundamental information while some are more applied especially the short and exciting chapter on the sweet-tasting protein thaumatin which is of great interest for industrial applications. A fourth part deals with plant viruses and viroids as well as tumor formation in plants following Agrobacterium infection. The last chapter, which could have been much more detailed, describes some new insights into plant cell manipulation (protoplast manipulation, mutant selection and plant transformation). In summary, this book provides a good survey and update of this rapidly evolving field; plant molecular biology. However, one should be aware that some information given in this book could become rapidly obsolete as for any book dealing with genome
209_ expression and structure. Additionally, one could regret the absence of a chapter summarizing what is known of the sequences of plant gene regulatory elements. C Meyer
Molecular Aspects of Human Disease, edited by JW Gorrod, O Albano, S Papa. Ellis Horwood, 1989, pp 279, vol 1, £ 39.95 The proceedings of the International Conference on Molecular Approaches to Human Diseases are collected in these 2 volumes. The topics were quite different, the unifying theme being the molecular basis of the aetiology, pathogenesis or treatment of diverse diseases. Around 70 contributions represent an up-to-date and comprehensive coverage in many areas in the form of small (and inegai) reviews. Some provide significant help for investigations interested in attacking human diseases from their essential nature rather than merely their symptoms, others concentrate to a large extent on a review of the subject only. In summary, the two volumes provide an example of how essential it is to proceed in biological or medical science with the rigorous appfication of basic research. G Marchal
Adoptive Cellular lmmunotherapy of Cancer, edited by HC Stevenson. Marcel Dekker, 1989, pp 264, vo148, $ 89.75 (US and Canada) i07.50 (all other countries) During the last decade, immunologists and oncologists have made important progress in understanding immune response against tumor cells. A better understanding of cell interaction complexity within the immune system and in particular the way effeetor cells interact with tumor cells, in order to kill them, considerably accounts for this progress. In that sense, Adoptive Cellular Immunotherapy of Cancer attempts to give an overview of recent advances in such advancing disciplines. Con,~'ibutions are from 31 outstanding scientists dividing this textbook into 14 chapters, including diverse fields such as clinical trials and culture techniques and concluding with a chapter on challenges and future perspectives. One of the main qualities of this textbook is that it accomplishes this challenge with success, by offering the reader a complete account of the present state of our knowledge. It constitutes, in our opinion, an essential aid for undergraduate and postgraduate students and could also be useful for teaching professors. The aim of this work is to emphasize concepts without ignoring research developments. The first chapter includes a complete overview of the action of killer cells against malignant cells and of their regulation by different cytokines. The following chapters focus mainly on lymphokine-activated killer lymphocytes (LAK cells), activated killer monocytes and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.
Culture conditions are analyzed in detail in the next chapter and contribute important clues for a reader who is not familiar with these techniques. An excellent review of the state-of-the-art, concerning clinical trials is dispensed in several chapters. Chapter 13 is devoted to studying the role of nurse laboratory technicians and other personnel, in the execution of adoptive cell immunotherapy. This subject is covered in depth, and discussions cover important aspects of this new biotherapy. Future perspectives are discussed by HC Stevenson who proposes guidelines and future directions for development of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. Overall, this book represents a fair overview of present knowledge in this field. Authors and editor have succeeded in producing a useful and worthwhile text. G Dighiers
Elements of Molecular Neurobiology, edited by COM Smith, John Wiley & Sons, 1989, pp 534 This book is an introductory account of a rapidly expanding subject, the molecular approach to the structure, function and development of the brain. It begins with an outline of the brain organization and its cellular elements. The following chapters rapidly present the 2 types of "informational" macromolecules: proteins and nucleic acids. It then describes the possibilities of "manipulating" biomolecules, and shows how this ability is now widely applied to the nervous system. The core of the book is the description of up-to-date knowledge on the diverse structural elements that compose nerve communication. Molecular elements crucial for information processing in the brain have been divided into several families: biomembranes, pumps, voltage-gated channels, ligand-gated channels, G-coupled receptors. Each of these families is considered in some detail in separate chapters. The book gives clear and well-documented information on the structure and function of these macromolecules. It is an excellent starting point for the synthesis of structural elements that allow neurons to communicate, such as subsequently described. The following chapters give more classical, although up-to-date information, on electrical properties of nerves, sensory transduction, biochemistry of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and the functioning of a synapse. The book finally shows how molecular neurobiology has been applied, with variable success, to the understanding of several questions, including the morphogenesis of the brain (with special reference to growth factors and adhesion molecules), memory, and several neurological and psychological pathologies. This book is accessible to a broad readership. As the field it intends to cover is extremely wide, one might find it quite succinct on some particular questions. However, it does not pretend to be exhaustive. It is generally clear and well illustrated and will surely be of grea: support, not only to students beginning in the field of neurobiology but also to many neuroscientists who are not familiar with molecular biology. It has indeed become an absolute necessity in all fields of neuroscience (neurophysiology, neuroanatomy...) to keep up with the development of tools and concepts in molecular neurobiology. JP Changeau