This book gives a current review of the links between the structure and function of hydrolases and ligases, as well as ideas for better using these critical enzymes. The book is split into two sections: “Cleavage” and “Ligases.” These enzymes are the biggest and most varied family of enzymes, allowing researchers to investigate the structural variety that underpins their different biological roles. In light of recent scientific advances, there is a desire to examine and update our knowledge of these enzymes’ functional and structural changes.

Over the years, natural products such as essential oils have been gaining more and more prominence due to their perceived health benefits. Plants rich in essential oils represent a viable source of biomolecules for use in the most varied human activities, such as agricultural, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Essential oils are natural volatile fractions extracted from aromatic plants that are formed by classes of substances such as fatty acid esters, mono and sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, and aldehyde alcohols, and in some cases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, among others. In this...

Epigenetics, which deals with the study of heritable gene expression that takes place independent of changes in DNA sequence, and optogenetics, which deals with the study of genes expressed under the influence of light, are two emerging areas of study and research that have contributed immensely to our current knowledge of mechanisms and disease processes in humans. These disciplines are interrelated in the broader picture of biology and one can be used to change or modify the other. The complexity of the techniques involved in these disciplines often leads to a lack of proper understanding...

The book explores distinct aspects of protein purification and characterization steps. It discusses solubility problems, resin selection tricks, and essential credentials in a purification process. In addition, the book examines aggregation and proteinopathy-related protein detection methods and reviews several essential protein detection and characterization methods in cancer for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, western blot, mass spectrometry, and others.

Cell culture is cell cloning technology that simulates in vivo environment conditions such as asepsis, appropriate temperature, and pH as well as certain nutritional conditions to enable cells to survive, grow, reproduce, and maintain their structure and function. Cell culture can be used to grow human, animal, plant, and microbial cells. Each type of cell culture has its own characteristics and essential conditions. This book focuses on the advanced technology and applications of cell culture in the research and practice of medical and life sciences. Chapters address such topics as primary...

Starch - Evolution and Recent Advances is about the historical, scientific, and technological journey of starch so far, taking into account its traditional roles, uses, and applications as well as the most recent advances in the study of this unique polymer. It is a collective endeavor by a group of editors and authors with a wealth of experience and expertise in research and development, teaching, and quality control and public health. Chapters address such topics as the history, evolution, and health benefits of starch, advances in starch and starch product technology, the application of...