ISBN9780716787242

Disclaimer: I've only used the 4th edition, even after the newest edition came out, because that's what I happen to own. From what I understand, the later edition includes most, if not all, of the 4th edition, and a couple of new chapters. My graduate class called for the latest edition, but I got through the class using my good ol' 4th.

I used the 4th edition of this book both in college and grad school, and it's served me very well. It succinctly covers the basics of biochemistry, including enzyme kinetics, protein structure, metabolism, and biosynthesis. It also includes helpful chapters on common techniques and assays. Diagrams and illustrations help understand the material (and there are diagrams for everything), and the text includes practice questions to solidify knowledge. Clear organization makes the book easy to use, and the text is sometimes surprising with unexpected humor. There are also charts for quick reference on the inside back cover. Oh, and handy side notes that define new terms and provide quick facts.

The book also links each topic to human disease, which makes it great for comprehending biochemistry as a whole.

All of this is done in simple, straightforward language that is nonetheless pleasant to read. (Really, this text is not as boring as one might think from a textbook!)

This book has served me very well, and I still refer to it to refresh myself on pathways. While, like most textbooks, it's not THE most detailed text you could get, it provides an excellent overview and jumping-off point.

I am basing my review primarily on two things in this textbook: the organisation and the definitions.

A textbook MUST be approachable. Students will be covering intricate topics in a book of this sort, and in order to help them, the writer(s) must present the material logically, thematically and beautifully organised.

I'm afraid the writers did not do that here. Systems that should be covered before one proceeds further - information for which knowledge of other systems is presupposed - appear much earlier than they should, leaving the unfortunate student staring wild-eyed at the text, muttering, "What?" This is particularly noticable when explicating chemical pathways.

Definitions are ludicrously lacking. What indexing there is is incomplete and insufficient.

The book fails in its intended purpose, and that is why I simply cannot recommend it. May I suggest using Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews as a better organised textbook? It is quite a good coverage, although it does assume some biochemistry knowledge. I've heard that the Garrett Biochemistry textbook (just released in December 2006) is good for beginner students, so that may well be worth checking.

There are certainly alternatives to this poorly written textbook.

What is the difference between this edition and the 6th revised edition, and why is the latter so much cheaper?

Most people are probably buying this book because they are a college student and they have to, but compared to some other books, this one is clear and easy to read, so don't be too afraid of Biochemistry if you have this in you bag.

Well it's a boring book but biochemistry isn't the most interesting thing to read on your free time. The book is in good condition and came quickly.