Methods in Molecular Biophysics
Structure, Dynamics, Function for Biology and Medicine

A comprehensive graduate textbook explaining key physical methods in biology, reflecting the very latest research in this fast-moving field.

Nathan R. Zaccai (Author), Igor N. Serdyuk (Author), Joseph Zaccai (Author)

9781107056374, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 May 2017

702 pages, 825 b/w illus.
28.3 x 22.4 x 4 cm, 2.19 kg

Review of first edition: 'A book that teaches the methods well, creates the intellectual framework of our understanding, and can guide the field. Earlier efforts by Cohn and Edsall, Tanford, Edsall and Wyman, and Cantor and Schimmel have served this important purpose in the past, but the advance of time and technology has diluted the force of these classic works in contemporary Biophysics, both in the teaching and the practices of the field. How welcome, then, a clearly written, thoughtful and modern text that will serve well, both in formal courses and as a reference. The authors have built each method from its fundamental premises and principles, have successfully covered an impressive span of topics, and will be rewarded by attention from an audience that hungers for the next defining text in Molecular Biophysics.' D. M. Engelman, Yale University, New Haven

Current techniques for studying biological macromolecules and their interactions are based on the application of physical methods, ranging from classical thermodynamics to more recently developed techniques for the detection and manipulation of single molecules. Reflecting the advances made in biophysics research over the past decade, and now including a new section on medical imaging, this new edition describes the physical methods used in modern biology. All key techniques are covered, including mass spectrometry, hydrodynamics, microscopy and imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy, electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance. Each method is explained in detail using examples of real-world applications. Short asides are provided throughout to ensure that explanations are accessible to life scientists, physicists and those with medical backgrounds. The book remains an unparalleled and comprehensive resource for graduate students of biophysics and medical physics in science and medical schools, as well as for research scientists looking for an introduction to techniques from across this interdisciplinary field.

Preface to the first edition
Preface to the second edition
Introduction
Part I. Biological Macromolecules and Physical Tools: 1. Macromolecules in their environment
2. Macromolecules as physical particles
3. Understanding macromolecular structures
Part II. Mass Spectrometry: 4. Mass and charge
5. Structure function studies
Part III. Thermodynamics: 6. Thermodynamic stability and interactions
7. Differential scanning calorimetry
8. Isothermal titration calorimetry
9. Surface plasmon resonance and interferometry-based biosensors
Part IV. Hydrodynamics: 10. Biological macromolecules as hydrodynamic particles
11. Analytical ultracentrifugation
12. Fluorescence depolarization
13. Dynamic light scattering and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Part V. Optical Spectroscopy: 14. Visible and IR absorption spectroscopy
15. Two-dimensional IR spectroscopy
16. Raman scattering spectroscopy
17. Optical activity and circular dichroïsm
Part VI. Optical Microscopy: 18. Light microscopy
19. Single molecule manipulation and atomic force microscopy
20. Fluorescence microscopy
21. Single-molecule detection
22. Single-molecule manipulation
Part VII. X-Ray and Neutron Diffraction: 23. The macromolecule as a radiation scattering particle
24. Small-angle scattering and reflectometry
25. X-ray and neutron macromolecular crystallography
Part VIII. Electron Diffraction: 26. Electron microscopy
27. Three-dimensional reconstruction from two-dimensional images
Part IX. Molecular Dynamics: 28. Energy and time calculations
29. Neutron spectroscopy
Part X. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: 30. Distances and angles from frequencies
31. Experimental techniques
32. Structure and dynamics studies
Part XI. Medical Imaging: 33. Radiology and positron emission tomography
34. Ultrasound imaging
35. Magnetic resonance imaging
References
Index of eminent scientists
Subject index.

Subject Areas: Molecular biology [PSD], Biophysics [PHVN], Medical imaging [MMP], Cellular physiology [MFGC], Physiology [MFG]