Name: Life Sciences Fundamentals and Practice 1
Brand: Amit Book Depot
Price: 690 INR
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Life Sciences Fundamentals and Practice 1 by Pranav Kumar and Usha Mina, published by Pathfinder Publication, is an authoritative and comprehensive book designed as the definitive resource for students pursuing competitive examinations and advanced studies in the life sciences. This meticulously crafted volume provides an in-depth exploration of core biological principles, integrating fundamental concepts with contemporary research to build a robust foundation for success in exams like CSIR NET, DBT-JRF, GATE, ICMR-JRF, and university-level courses.

The book commences with a rigorous examination of biomolecules and catalysis, forming the essential chemical bedrock of biology. It delves into the intricate structures and functions of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and enzymes. Key topics such as protein folding, enzyme kinetics, catalytic strategies, and enzyme inhibition are explained with exceptional clarity. The coverage extends to advanced concepts like allosteric regulation, molecular chaperones, and nucleic acids as catalysts (ribozymes), ensuring readers grasp both classical biochemistry and modern molecular insights.

A substantial focus is placed on metabolism, detailing the complex pathways that sustain life. From glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation to photosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide synthesis, each pathway is elucidated with precision. The book distinguishes itself by explaining nuanced concepts such as the chemiosmotic theory, ATP synthase mechanism, pentose phosphate pathway, gluconeogenesis, and photorespiration. It seamlessly connects these metabolic processes to their physiological contexts and regulatory mechanisms.

The Cell Structure and Functions unit offers a masterclass in cell biology, moving from the organization of plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, and organelles to sophisticated cellular dynamics. It thoroughly covers protein targeting and sorting, cell signaling pathways (including GPCRs and enzyme-linked receptors), cell cycle regulation, and mechanics of cell division (mitosis and meiosis). Critical topics like apoptosis, cancer biology, cell junctions, and extracellular matrix are presented with direct relevance to both fundamental understanding and applied research.

Further enhancing its scope, the book provides dedicated sections on prokaryotes, viruses, and immunology. The prokaryotic biology coverage includes bacterial cell structure, horizontal gene transfer (transformation, transduction, and conjugation), and microbial growth control. The virology section details bacteriophage and animal virus life cycles. The immunology chapters are particularly exhaustive, covering innate and adaptive immunity, MHC and antigen presentation, immunoglobulin structure, generation of antibody diversity, monoclonal antibodies, T-cell mediated immunity, and vaccines. This makes it an indispensable resource for mastering these specialized yet highly important domains.

The final sections encompass the diversity of life and ecology. The diversity unit systematically reviews biological classification, the five-kingdom system, and the distinguishing features of major groups from protists and fungi to plantae and animalia. The ecology section is a complete treatise on the subject, explaining ecosystem structure and function, energy flow, nutrient cycling, population and community ecology, ecological succession, and biodiversity conservation. Concepts like Lotka-Volterra models, ecological niches, and island biogeography are included to meet the highest standards of competitive exams.

Structured with exceptional pedagogical foresight, each chapter is reinforced with clear diagrams, systematic summaries, and a logical flow that progresses from basic to advanced topics. The content is aligned precisely with the syllabi of major national-level entrance examinations, ensuring no critical topic is overlooked. Life Sciences Fundamentals and Practice 1 is more than a book; it is an integrated learning system that empowers students to build conceptual mastery, apply knowledge to complex problems, and achieve excellence in their academic and professional pursuits. It is the preferred choice for aspirants seeking a single, reliable, and comprehensive guide to conquer the challenges of modern life sciences education.

Have Doubts Regarding This Product ? Ask Your Question

Q1

Is this book suitable as a primary textbook for my MSc or integrated PhD coursework in Life Sciences?

A1

Absolutely. The book is designed to serve as a comprehensive primary text. It covers the entire foundational syllabus for postgraduate programs, with a depth that bridges the gap between introductory textbooks and advanced research-oriented references.
Q2

Does the immunology section cover topics like monoclonal antibody production and vaccine types in detail?

A2

Yes. Chapter 5 on Immunology includes dedicated sections on hybridoma technology for monoclonal antibody production (5.12) and a detailed overview of various vaccine types and principles (5.20), which are high-yield topics for competitive exams.
Q3

How are complex diagrams, such as those for metabolic pathways or the ATP synthase mechanism, presented?

A3

The book uses clear, pedagogically designed, black-and-white line diagrams and schematic illustrations. Complex mechanisms like the ATP synthase (2.1.10), photosynthetic units (2.6.4), and cell signaling cascades are broken down into stepwise visuals for easier comprehension and recall.
Q4

For the Ecology section, does the book explain numerical concepts and models like the Lotka-Volterra equations?

A4

Yes. Chapter 7 (Ecology) explicitly covers the Lotka-Volterra model (7.11) for predator-prey dynamics. It also includes discussions on population growth equations, diversity indices, and ecological efficiencies with the conceptual clarity needed to solve related numerical problems.
Q5

Does the book cover the "RNA World Hypothesis" and the catalytic role of ribozymes?

A5

Yes. These are specifically addressed in Section 1.7 on RNA. It discusses the RNA World hypothesis (1.7.2) and includes a section on nucleic acids as catalysts (1.12.9), which details ribozymes, a crucial topic in evolutionary biology and molecular biology.
Q6

How does the Cell Biology chapter handle advanced topics like protein targeting to different organelles?

A6

Chapter 3 has a dedicated section on Protein Targeting and Sorting (3.15). It provides separate, detailed mechanisms for targeting to the ER, mitochondria, peroxisomes, nucleus, and transport to lysosomes, which is a key focus area in modern cell biology.
Q7

Is the virus chapter limited to bacteriophages, or does it also cover animal and plant viruses?

A7

It covers all. Section 4.12 on Viruses includes detailed life cycles of bacteriophages (lytic and lysogenic) and dedicated sub-sections on animal viruses (4.12.5) and plant viruses (4.12.6), along with prions and viroids (4.13), making it a complete virology resource.
Q8

Are regulatory mechanisms in metabolism, like allosteric control of enzymes, explained with examples?

A8

Comprehensively. The book covers allosteric proteins (1.2.6) in the context of hemoglobin and dedicates a section to regulatory enzymes (1.12.6) within enzyme kinetics. Key metabolic regulators in pathways like glycolysis and the TCA cycle are highlighted in Chapter 2.
Q9

Is there coverage of applied topics like CRISPR (in prokaryotes) or recent cancer therapies in the relevant chapters?

A9

As a fundamentals-focused volume, it covers the essential principles of bacterial defense systems (like restriction-modification) under prokaryotic genetics. Detailed molecular tools like CRISPR or targeted cancer therapies are typically covered in more advanced or subsequent volumes in a series.
Q10

Is the ecology section detailed enough to cover ecosystem services and IUCN Red List criteria?

A10

Yes. Chapter 7 includes a specific section on Ecosystem Services (7.4) and a thorough part on Biodiversity Conservation (7.15), which explains IUCN Red List categories and criteria (7.15.6), topics of increasing importance in modern exam patterns.

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Chapter 1

Biomolecules and Catalysis

1.1 Amino Acids and Proteins 2

1.1.1 Absolute configuration 5

1.1.2 Optical activity 6

1.1.3 Standard and non-standard amino acids 7

1.1.4 Titration of amino acids

1.1.5 Peptide and polypeptide 17

1.1.6 Peptide band 18

1.1.7 Protein structure 21

1.1.8 Denaturation of proteins 28

1.1.9 Solubilities of proteins 28.

1.1.10 Simple and conjugated proteins 29

1.2 Fibrous and globular proteins 30

1.2.1 Collagen 31

1.2.2 Elastin 33.

1.2.3 Keratins 34

1.2.4 Myoglobin 34

1.2.5 Hemoglobin 36

1.2.6 Behavior of allosteric proteins 42

1.3 Protein folding 43

1.3.1 Molecular chaperones 45

1.3.2 Amyloid 46

1.3.3 Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation 47 1.9

1.3.4 N-end rule 49

1.4 Protein sequencing and assays 50

1.5 Nucleic acids 56

1.5.3 Nucleotides 56

1.5.2 Chargaff's rules 60

1.6 Structure of dsDNA 61

1.6.1 B-DNA 62

1.6.2 Z-DNA 64

1.6.3 Triplex DNA 65.

1.6.4 G-quadruplex 66

1.6.5 Stability of the dsDNA helix 67

1.6.6 DNA denaturation 67

1.6.7 Quantification of nucleic acids 69

1.6.8 Supercoiled forms of DNA 70

1.6.9 DNA: A genetic material 73

1.7 RNA 75

1.7.1 Alkaline hydrolysis of RNA 76

1.7.2 RNA World hypothesis 77

1.7.3 RNA A genetic material 77

1.8 Carbohydrates 78

1.8.1 Monosaccharides 78

1.8.2 Epimers 79

1.8.3 Cyclic forms 81

1.8.4 Derivatives of monosaccharide 83

1.8.5 Disaccharides and glycosidic bonds 85

1.8.6 Polysaccharides 86

1.8.7 Glycoproteins 88

1.8.8 Reducing and non-reducing sugars 89

1.9 Lipids 89

1.9.1 Fatty acids 90

1.9.2 Triacylglycerol and Wax 92

1.9.3 Phospholipids 93

1.9.4 Glycolipids 95

1.9.5 Steroids 96

1.9.6 Eicosanoids 96

1.9.7 Plasma lipoproteins 98

1.10 Vitamins 99

1.10.1 Water-soluble vitamins 99

1.10.2 Fat-soluble vitamins 103

1.11 Reactive oxygen species and antioxidants 106

1.12 Enzymes 107

1.12.1 Naming and classification of enzymes 108

1.12.2 How do enzymes operate? 110

1.12.3 Catalytic strategies 112

1.12.4 Enzyme kinetics 113

1.12.5 Enzyme inhibition 121

1.12.6 Regulatory enzymes 126

1.12.7 Isozymes 128

1.12.8 Zymogen 129

1.12.9 Nucleic acids as catalysts 129

1.12.10 Abzyme 130

1.12.11 Examples of enzymatic reactions 131

1.13 Chemistry in Biology 135

Chapter 2

Metabolism

2.1 Respiration 160

2.1.1 Aerobic respiration 161

2.1.2 Glycolysis 162

2.1.3 Pyruvate oxidation 167

2.1.4 Citric acid cycle 169

2.1.5 Anaplerotic reaction 172

2.1.6 Oxidative phosphorylation 173

2.1.7 Inhibitors of electron transport 177

2.1.8 Electrochemical proton gradient 178

2.1.9 Chemiosmotic theory 180

2.1.10 ATP synthase 181

2.1.11 Uncoupling agents and ionophores 183

2.1.12 ATP synthasome 184

2.1.13 Shuttle systems 185

2.1.14 P/O ratio 186

2.1.15 Fermentation 187

2.1.16 Pasteur effect 189

2.1.17 Warburg effect 190

2.1.18 Respiratory substrate and respiratory quotient 190

2.1.19 Entner-Doudoroff pathway 191

2.2 Glyoxylate cycle 192

2.3 Pentose phosphate pathway 193

2.4 Gluconeogenesis 195

2.5 Glycogen metabolism 198

2.6 Photosynthesis 203

2.6.1 Photosynthetic pigments 204

2.6.2 Absorption and action spectra 200

2.6.3 Fate of light energy absorbed by photosynthetic pigments 210

2.6.4 Concept of photosynthetic unit 211

2.6.5 Hill reaction 212

2.6.6 Oxygenic & anoxygenic photosynthesis 22

2.6.7 Concept of pigment system 213

2.6.8 Photosynthesis in green plants 215

2.6.9 Light reaction 216

2.6.10 Carbon-fixation cycle 225

2.6.11 Starch and sucrose synthesis 229

2.6.12 Photorespiration 230

2.6.13 C4 cycle 232

2.6.14 CAM pathway 234

2.6.15 Photosynthetic responses to environmental factors 235

2.7 Lipid metabolism 238

2.7.1 Synthesis of triacylglycerols 238

2.7.2 Digestion & transport of triacylglycerols 250

2.7.3 Synthesis of fatty acids 240

2.7.4 Fatty acid oxidation 243

2.7.5 Synthesis of cholesterol 251

2.7.6 Steroid hormones and bile acids 252

2.8 Amino acid metabolism 254

2.8.1 Amino acid synthesis 254

2.8.2 Amino acid catabolism 257

2.8.3 Molecules derived from amino acids 26

2.9 Nucleotide metabolism 263

2.9.1 Nucleotide synthesis 263

2.9.2 Nucleotide Catabolism 269

Chapter 3

Cell Structure and Functions

3.1 What is a cell? 276

3.2 Plasma membrane 278

3.2.1 ABO blood group. 287

3.2.2 Transport across plasma membrane 290

3.3 Membrane potential 299

3.4 Transport of macromolecules across plasma membrane 306

3.4.1 Endocytosis 309

3.4.2 Fate of receptor 314

3.4.3 Exocytosis 315

3.5 Ribosomes 316

3.6 Endoplasmic reticulum 317

3.7 Golgi complex 322

3.8 Lysosome 325

3.9 Vacuoles 327

3.10 Mitochondria 327

3.11 Plastids 329

3.12 Peroxisome 331

3.13 Nucleus 332

3.14 Cytoskeleton 335

3.14.1 Microtubules 335

3.14.2 Microtubule-based motor proteins: Kinesins and Dyneins 338

3.14.3 Cilia and Flagella 339

3.14.4 Centriole 341

3.14.5 Actin filament 342

3.14.6 Myosin 345

3.14.7 Muscle contraction 346

3.14.8 Intermediate filaments 350

3.15 Protein targeting and sorting 351

3.15.1 Targeting from cytosol to ER 352

3.15.2 Transport from ER to cis-Golgi 357

3.15.3 Transport from the TGN to lysosomes 359

3.15.4 Membrane fusion 360

3.15.5 Targeting of mitochondrial proteins 362

3.15.6 Targeting of peroxisomal proteins 365

3.15.7 Transport of nuclear proteins 365

3.16 Cell junctions 367

3.17 Cell adhesion molecules 370

3.18 Extracellular matrix of animals 371

3.19 Plant cell wall 373

3.20 Cell signaling 375

3.20.1 Signal molecules 375

3.20.2 Receptors 376

3.20.3 GPCR and G-proteins 379

3.20.4 ion channel-linked receptors 388

3.20.5 Enzyme-linked receptors 389

3.20.6 Chemotaxis in bacteria 398

3.20.7 Quorum sensing 400

3.21 Cell Cycle 402

3.21.1 Role of Rb in cell cycle regulation 413

3.21.2 Role of p53 in cell cycle regulation 414

3.21.3 Replicative senescence 416

3.22 Mechanics of cell division 417

3.22.1 Mitosis 417

3.222 Meiosis 424

3.22.3 Nondisjunction and aneuploidy 429

3.23 Apoptosis 432

3.24 Cancer 436

Chapter 4

Prokaryotes and Viruses

4.1 Phylogenetic overview 452

4.2 Structure of bacterial cell 453

4.3 Bacterial genome 465

4.4 Bacterial nutrition 469

4.4.1 Culture media 470

4.4.2 Bacterial growth 472

4.5 Horizontal gene transfer and recombination 475

4.5.1 Transformation 476

4.5.2 Transduction 477

4.5.3 Conjugation 481

4.6 Mapping of chromosomal genes 484

4.7 Bacterial taxonomy 489

4.8 General features of bacterial groups 490

4.9 Archaebacteria 492

4.10 Bacterial toxins 494

4.11 Control of microbial growth 495

4.12 Viruses 499

4.12.1 Bacteriophages (Bacterial Virus) 501

4.12.2 Life cycle of bacteriophage 502

4.12.3 Plaque assay 505

4.12.4 Genetic analysis of phage 508

4.12.5 Animal viruses 511

4.12.6 Plant viruses 521

4.13 Prions and Viroids 522

4.131 Bacterial and viral diseases 524

Chapter 5

Immunology

5.1 Innate immunity 527

5.2 Adaptive immunity 533

5.3 Cells of the immune system 535

5.3.1 Common lymphoid progenitor 535

5.3.2 Common myeloid progenitor 537

5.4 organs involved in the adaptive immune response 539

5.4.1 Primary lymphoid organs 539

5.4.2 Secondary lymphoid organs/tissues 540

5.5 Antigens 541

5.6 Major histocompatibility complex 544

5.6.1 MHC and antigen presentation 546

5.6.2 Antigen processing and presentation 547

5.7 Immunoglobulins: Structure and Function 550

5.7.1 Basic structure of antibody molecule 550

5.7.2 Different classes of antibody 553

5.7.3 Antigenic determinants on antibodies 555

5.8 Organization and expression of Ig genes 556

5.9 Generation of antibody diversity 562

5.10 B cell maturation and activation 564

5.11 Kinetics of the antibody response 577

5.11.1 Humoral immune response 579

5.12 Monoclonal antibodies and hybridoma technology 581

5.13 T cells and cell-mediated immunit583

5.13.1 Superantigens 596

5.14 The complement system 596

5.15 Hypersensitivity 600

5.16 Autoimmunity 602

5.17 Transplantation 602

5.18 Immunodeficiency diseases 605

5.19 Failures of host defense mechanisms 605

5.20 Vaccines 607

Chapter 6

Diversity of Life

6.1 Taxonomy 615

6.1.1 Nomenclature 616

6.1.2 Classification 616

6.1.3 Biological species concept 677

6.1.4 Phenetic and cladistic approaches to classification 618

6.2 Five-kingdom system 624

6.3 Protists 626

6.3.1 Protozoan protists 626

6.3.2 Photosynthetic Protists 627

6.3.3 Slime mold 628

63.4 Oomycetes 629

6.4 Fungi 629

6.4.1 Mycorrhiza 631

6.4.2 Lichens 632

6.5 Plantae 632

6.5.1 Plant life cycle 633

6.5.2 Algae 635

6.5.3 Life cycle of land plants 637

6.5.4 Bryophytes 638

6.5.5 Pteridophytes 639

6.5.6 Gymnosperm 642

6.5.7 Angiosperms 642

6.6 Animalia 648

6.7 Animal's classification 656

6.7.1 Phylum Porifera (Pore-bearing Animals) 656

6.7.2 Phylum Cnidaria (Coelenterata) 656

6.7.3 Phylum Platyhelminthes (Flatworms) 657

6.7.4 Phylum Aschelminthes (Roundworms) 657

6.7.5 Phylum Annelida 658

6.7.6 Phylum Mollusca 659

6.7.7 Phylum Arthropoda 659

6.7.8 Phylum Echinodermata 660

6.7.9 Phylum Hemichordata 660

6.7.10 Phylum Chordata 660

Chapter 7

Ecology

7.1 The Environment 669

7.1.1 Physical environment 669

7.1.2 Adaptation to the physical environment 673

7.2 Shelford's law of tolerance

7.3 Ecosystem 677

7.3.1 Ecosystem components 677

7.3.2 Productivity

7.3.3 Energy flow 681

7.3.4 Food chains 683

7.3.5 Ecological efficiencies 685

7.3.6 Ecological pyramid 687

7.3.7 Nutrient cycling 688

7.3.8 Decomposition 690

7.4 Ecosystem services 690

7.4.1 Control of trophic structure: top-down versus bottom-up control 691

7.5 Types of Ecosystems

7.5.1 Aquatic ecosystem 693

7.5.2 Terrestrial ecosystem 699

7.6 Biomes 701

7.7 Population ecology 704

7.7.1 Population characteristics 704

7.7.2 Population growth 707

7.7.3 Life table 710

7.7.4 Population regulation 712

7.7.5 Life history 713

7.8 Community ecology 716

7.8.1 Community structure 716

7.8.2 Species composition 716

7.8.3 Species diversity 716

7.8.4 Diversity index 718

7.8.5 Disturbance and species diversity 720

7.8.6 Diversity-Stability-Complexity relationships 721

7.8.7 Community gradient and boundaries 723

7.9 Island biogeography 724

7.10 Ecological interdependence and interactions 725

7.11 Lotka-Volterra model 730

7.12 Ecological niche 736

7.13 Effect of competition 738

7.14 Ecological succession 741

7.14.1 Pattern of succession 741

7.14.2 Types of ecological succession 743

7.14.3 Mechanism of succession 744

7.14.4 Models of succession 745

7.15 Biodiversity 747

7.15.1 Levels of biodiversity 747

7.15.2 Gradients & Magnitude of Biodiversity 748

7.15.3 Uses of biodiversity 748

7.15.4 Threats to biodiversity 750

7.15.5 Extinction of species 751

7.15.6 IUCN Red List categories and criteria 752

7.15.7 Conservation of biodiversity 754