This booklet gives a brief but thorough grounding in all chemical topics that life-science students are likely to need to know. It begins with atomic structure, bonding and intermolecular attractions and moves on through chemical equilibria, acids, bases, pH and buffers, oxidation-reduction reactions and reaction kinetics. It ends with a comprehensive explanation of the organic chemistry that is relevant to biochemistry.

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Starting with the building blocks that compose DNA and RNA and considering their physical and chemical properties, this booklet goes on to explain how genetic information is transferred through generations, how the genetic information is read and how proteins are then synthesized.

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This booklet describes the nature and classification of enzymes and the mechanisms by which they act, including the external factors that influence them. It then discusses how these catalysts are extracted from living systems, how they are purified and how they may be commercially utilized in the biotechnology industry.

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Metabolism looks at the chemical transformations performed by all cells and tissues in building up and breaking down molecules and the properties of the enzymes involved. This booklet covers many metabolic pathways, including those responsible for energy production and toxic product breakdown.

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The structure and function of the specialised cells and molecules that comprise the immune system are considered in Immunology. This booklet describes the responses that occur when harmful organisms enter the animal and the structure and functions of the antibodies involved in an immune response. Finally the booklet looks at the blood group antigens and their medical implications.

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