An excellent teaching text and resource with modern examples and references to the primary literature, Thermodynamics of Biochemical Reactions emphasizes the fundamental equations of thermodynamics and the application of these equations to systems of biochemical reactions. This emphasis leads to new thermodynamic potentials that provide criteria for spontaneous change and equilibrium under the conditions in a living cell.

The theme of the book is that Legendre transforms make the application of thermodynamics more convenient for the users. In Chapter 4, "Thermodynamics of Biochemical Reactions at Specified pH," a Legendre transform is used to introduce pH and pMg as independent intensive variables. In Chapter 6, "Systems of Biochemical Reactions," the steady-state concentrations of various coenzymes are introduced as independent intensive variables in discussing systems of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. In Chapter 8, "Phase Equilibrium in Aqueous Systems," a Legendre transform is used to introduce the electric potential of a phase as an independent intensive variable. Each instance illustrates the author?s belief that the choice of variables, while seemingly an innocuous step, often plays a critical role in formulating a solution. Other chapters include:

• Chemical Equilibrium in One-Phase Systems
• Thermodynamics of Binding of Ligands by Proteins
• Redox Reactions
• Use of Semigrand Partition Functions

Practicing researchers in pharmaceutical and biotechnical corporations, as well as graduate and upper level undergraduate students in biophysical chemistry or biochemistry, will find Thermodynamics of Biochemical Reactions to be a peerless resource.