What are /r/Biochemistry's favorite Products & Services?

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Biochemistry 8th edition by Berg and Stryer (I’m sure another professor worked on it too but I forget) is fairly easy to understand and contains some helpful diagrams that even my uni lectures used for their slides, I found it fairly easy to comprehend. There’s also a 9th edition at a slightly lower price, but I haven’t read that copy yet. The link is below if you’re interested:

Biochemistry https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1319153933/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_siYSDbNJRFEBT

My favorite science-related leisure reading is Derek Lowe's blog In The Pipeline. He covers new developments in chemistry/biology, the drug discovery industry, and occasionally some other stuff. He writes it in a way would be interesting to anyone that like chemistry and biology regardless of their level of education. I always look forward to reading it over lunch.

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If you are looking for a book, The Disappearing Spoon is a great set of true short stories about chemistry that is a really fun read.

Power Sex Suicide: Mitochondria and the meaning of life by Nick Lane is a good pick. It isn't entirely biochemistry, but does delve into the electron transport chain and metabolism. It is also packed with interesting stuff.

The most commonly used is adobe illustrator, but it can be prohibitively expensive. I would recommend having a look at Inkscape. It's a free and open source vector graphics editor. If you haven't worked with this kind of software there may be a bit of a learning curve, but the best way to learn is with this kind of objective!

A lot of foodies swear by soy lecithin. IIRC, Lecithin is the fatty acid that helps egg yolks have emulsive properties. The commercially available lecithin is derived from soy. You can get it on Amazon.

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Lecithin is also utilized as a surfactant and a lubricant. But you'll see it used as an emulsifier in chocolate and crazy cocktails.

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I don't know the chemical basis for it, but Mustard is also used as an emulsifier in salad dressings. Some sources say mustard powder is best, some say whole grain mustard. I don't have enough info either way to make a judgement.

I wasn't aware Kerrygold butter was a thing. Now that I've looked it up, I'm still not convinced it's anything but a marketing tactic. They're advertising it as "organic" and "grass fed", but neither of those things can be confirmed on an analytical basis, as far as I am aware.

I looked up the nutrition panel for Kerrygold here

http://www.fitbit.com/foods/Butter+Pure+Irish+Unsalted/14589187

And then I compared it to the unsalted Kroger brand butter in my fridge. The differences are as follows:

Calories: same

Total Fat: 1% DV difference

Saturated Fat: 4% DV difference

Cholesterol: Same

Vitamin A: 2% DV difference

It isn't science at all, it's just marketing and labeling. Eat your normal generic butter and save your money.

I’d go as far as to say programming in some form or another is becoming an essential component of basic scientific literacy. If I could do it over again, I’d probably pick up a CS minor in undergrad. If you don’t learn it now, expect to pick it up early in grad school. I liked this book early on:

https://www.amazon.com/Computing-Skills-Biologists-Stefano-Allesina/dp/0691182752/ref=nodl_

Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism by Gropper is the book my university classes on nutritional biochemistry used. Difficult to comprehend for the lay person but great for those with a decent background in organic and biochemistry. I notice it is uber expensive on this link from Amazon but look up and get an old edition or even look around for a PDF or something.

http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Nutrition-Metabolism-Sareen-Gropper/dp/1133104053

Also, pages like this may be of interest.

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/

Lastly, I believe you can find and read the Dietary Reference Intakes as PDF online but that doesn't focus too much on biochemistry.

Good luck and hope that helps!

This won't help for your first class, but if it's your major learn how to program in a scripting language (Perl/Python/Ruby).

I would recommend buying "Learning Perl", myself. If you own a Mac, open your terminal and start practicing. It will save you countless hours of work once you start doing real data analysis. Trust me.

This is somewhat complicated question because the behaviour of homopolymeric alpha-helixes is different than the behaviour or an individual residue from such an alpha-helix if you put it in statistical context. Poly-K is a perfect example - in statistical context Lysine has high propensity to be in alpha-helix.

Now not everything uncharged will works well. Bulky side chains (Trp, Tyr, Cys) tend to destabilize alpha helixes, so is very small residue (Gly). Pro is a vicious alpha-helix killer due to an unusual steric configuration that disrupt H-bond networks that stabilizes alpha helix. Gly destabilizes alpha-helixes because it is to conformationally flexible due to the lack of a side chain .

Here you have a table that shows the stability of a natural alpha-helices with a single amino acid substitution. Look at table 1, last two columns, or Table 2 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/21752084_Alpha-helix_stability_in_proteins._II._Factors_that_influence_stability_at_an_internal_position

As you can see Arg and Lys are the best alpha-helix stabilizers in a statistical alpha-helix.

"Charge interaction" is tricky. In a homopolymer (poly-K) it is destabilizing because charged residues are sterically close. If you maintain the same charge but move it further away by using artificial amino acids with longer side chains such alpha-helixes become very stable due to interaction with water (see here http://www.nature.com/ncomms/journal/v2/n2/full/ncomms1209.html?WT.ec_id=NCOMMS-20110222)

If you haven't dabbled with fold.it it's worth playing through the tutorials and trying a couple of the current challenges. It's a very 3D topic, so starting your learning in a 3D medium has some benefit.

Fold.it might not fully qualify as "properly studying", but when you're digging into the heavy material, it's good to have a better mental model of what a textbook passage is describing.

Hey Coursera is offering a self paced course on the introduction to Cryo-EM https://www.coursera.org/learn/cryo-em Its very informative and for the basic beginner to the top notch high level grad student. Enjoy.

Good answer-- but I would just like to point out that entropy is not about randomness... But rather about dispersion of energy. As far as we know, particles of that size are not sentient and do not know what is more random or less random. Entropy should be discussed as an index of energetic dispersion-- simply put, systems are always moving in a direction that allows them to maximally disperse their energy. If some particles clustered together and concentrated their energy, it just means that somewhere else, there was a bigger event whereby more energy was dispersed in the process.

Example: proteins come out of solution and crystallize. Did entropy decrease? No--Solvent can now more maximally disperse its energy since it is not constrained in protein hydration shell.

Speaking of entropy as randomness is probably one of the biggest mistakes in biochem education today:

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Disorder-A-Cracked-Crutch-for-Supporting-Entropy-Lambert/92015e752abfaa52a3e80fa26fddf9583e900815

This is what I was going to say! Give him a head start on organic chem.

Found some for less than $30 on Amazon

Have you checked out Sporcle? Really helped me out during my undergraduate biochem class. I also found this amino acid game on the google play store. I can't seem to find any that allows you to input a custom sequence to visualize unfortunately. I hope I was of some help though!

On another note, I'm currently spending some time learning java for developing apps, I think this may be a cool little project.

So much this.

One excellent and pretty accessible text is the pharmacy school textbook "Natural Products: A Case-Based Approach for Health Care Professionals" by Karen Shapiro (https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Products-Case-Based-Approach-Professionals/dp/1582120692). I use parts from it in even fairly introductory classes.

Another great book more on the fundamental side of med chem is "An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry" by Graham Patrick. I use this to teach undergraduate level medicinal chemistry. You really do need to have taken organic to get much out of it, however, and would benefit from having already taken biochemistry as well (although it has pretty decent overviews of that).

Hi! Biochem and Molecular Bio major here. On the less traditional route, here are some science books that I enjoyed reading:

The Gene: an Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee

The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction by Henry T. Greely

The Gene is about the history of genetics and genetic theory. The End of Sex is exactly what it sounds like. Mostly about new technologies (IVF, PGD, etc.) surrounding reproductive technology! Both are good reads. The Gene is more dense and difficult to get through (it's like 600 pages, smh) but was honestly really informative and straightforward otherwise. The End of Sex was a fun read, it reminded me of Brave New World except IRL.

Crystallography Made Crystal Clear is a fantastic resource for learning the theory behind protein crystallography and structure solution. I used it to learn when I was starting out and I still consult it at times.

Crystallography Made Crystal Clear: A Guide for Users of Macromolecular Models (Complementary Science) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0125870736/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Rp9MBb4PTEANT

Good luck!

Beyond this, I’ll add that there’s really no substitute for doing this hands on and learning from other students/postdocs in the lab. Crystallization feels like black magic a lot of the time, so the theory only gets you so far. Most of the learning really happens as you go along.

Here are complete details for the titration experiment. Simply substitute zinc for Ca

My college days started in the early 90's, so it's been a long time, and I'm not a biochemist, but I have a tip to share with you, and anyone else who is about to embark on the college journey: Learn memory techniques, if you haven't already. There are various sources on the subject. I like learning by reading. One easy book on the subject is Unlimited Memory: How to Use Advanced Learning Strategies to Learn Faster, Remember More and be More Productive

if you want detailed protocols for molecular biology (and some biochemistry) you should check out: molecular cloning: A laboratory manual

Here are the contents

I got an old version of this book for free during my undergraduate a couple years ago. I haven't read it much, but it explains the basics of basically any method that would be needed in biochemistry.

Here's a phone-quality imgur album of the book's index

http://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/oxidation-reduction/v/redox-reactions

Khan Academy usually has some pretty great video explanations for topics like these. I actually haven't watched this one, so I can't vouch for how great it is. First thing that came to mind, though

This is Clayden's Organic Chemistry, 2nd edition

Through this link you can download it in full and have it on your phone

It is very complete but is really easy to read

I'd advise reading it a little bit every day, even though it's rather complex and covers topics thoroughly

https://fold.it/portal/

That's a crowdsourced computer game that's a lot of fun. Although no coding is required, you get to play around folding proteins into their least energetic state since some geniuses coded it. The campaign is tough enough, but the puzzles are real!

Hey there :) short answer is you should be ok 👍

But here’s a longer answer too:

i’d recommend using this tool to calculate your calories: https://www.omnicalculator.com/health/bmr-harris-benedict-equation

Once you’ve done that the main thing would be to make sure you’re eating a diet consisting of diverse whole foods, preferably: veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds with lean meats, eggs and dairy ad your main sources for protein (substitute meat for tofu if you are vegan or vegetarian).

By focusing on consuming whole foods you’re much more likely to guarantee that you won’t be deficient in vitamins or minerals. Protein is also the most important macronutrient for you to consume, as it is for every living organism, studies seem to indicate that healthy young adults should consume at least 18% of the daily calories as protein.

https://socratic.org/questions/how-does-ph-change-protein-structure

This has a pretty simple explanation. Ionic interactions are interrupted based on high or low pH by neutralizing the acid or base R-groups. Hydrogen bonds are also interrupted due to extreme pH.

q4, The picture is a Ramachandran plot. Alpha is where the rotated degree combinations give you your normal alpha helices. Alpha L is where you would get left handed helices. The arrows I'm assuming represent parallel and anti parallel beta sheets. This site and its links may be of use.

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q5, Looking at proteins in their ribbon structure might give you a better insight into how the two secondary elements actually influence the structure of a protein better. This is just an example but it's a nice demonstration.

You can use firefox responsive design mode to take a screenshot.

Just set it to like 30,000px wide, zoom in correctly, and take a screenshot.

This is so sweet! I’m also a biochem major and I don’t have any specific ideas to your friends research BUT my I have received a few science gifts I absolutely loved. I’ll put links if I can find it!

1. A notebook full of hexagon paper that I used for organic chemistry. https://www.amazon.ca/Organic-Chemistry-Hexagonal-Notebook-hexagons/dp/197418451X

2. A periodic table mask, but like not tacky https://www.amazon.ca/Weddingstar-Washable-Reusable-Adjustable-Filter/dp/B08B3KC8N8

3. A 2L glass beaker (which I think is actually a measuring cup from ikea) with a little succulent planted in it!

Also radgirlcreations has lots of cool science stuff if you look it up!

This is so great of you to do, it's really thoughtful and generous. Most times, science gifts tend to be kinda corny or overly specific, like if you wanted to person to that person's specific work or achievements. That said, I friggin love these little lenses and it would be remarkably easy to tie it into a personalized present:

Blips lenses

Good luck!

I bought Wilson and Walker for my final exams a few weeks ago and for my time in a lab coming up in the autumn, it's been amazing, I would thoroughly recommend!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/131661476X?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Hi All,

I'm the developer of the "Drug Bible" and other apps such as Smart Pill ID ( an AI powered pill identifier).

Available on the App Store and Play Store.

I worked with users in the FDA, NIH, and other health organizations to complete the ultimate drug guide. This handy tool has all the information you will ever need as a consumer, prescriber, or researcher. The Drug Bible has information on over 100,000 prescription and over the counter drugs, both brand name and generics.

Quickly search for drugs or by application to view drug images, labels, documents (research, reviews, letters, and others), as well as clinical and consumer information. Consumer information includes general information, side effects, news, and drug prices. Clinical information includes the following information:

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• Adverse Reactions
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Contraindications
• Description
• Dosage and Administration
• Drug Interactions
• How Supplied
• Indications and Usage
• Mechanism of Action
• Overdosage
• Pediatric Use
• Pregnancy

Once a medical application has been chosen, you may filter the drugs by Brand Name, Generic Name, Substance Name, Manufacturer Name, Chemical Structure Class, Established Pharmacologic Class, Pharmacological Class, and Mechanism of Action. Drug information is updated monthly.

Any and all feedback is much appreciated!

Though, if you are going to have to buy the cream of tarter, you could just buy some NaK Tartrate for probably a similar price: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rochelle-Salt-4-Ounce-Bottle-99-9-Pure-USP-Food-Grade-Fine-Powder-USA/391378486317?hash=item5b1ff9c42d%3Ag%3AmvsAAOSwdIlei9%7EA&LH_BIN=1

https://www.amazon.com/Potassium-Sodium-Tartrate-Rochelle-Ounces/dp/B00PEOOV66/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=ROCHELLE%2BSALT&qid=1617382796&sr=8-3&th=1

I'm pretty sure 100g would be PLENTY for what you use. I usually do the simlar Lowry assay and I only need a very small amount.

According my experience after experiencing different books, i found Albert biology book as a perfect boom !!! Good lock! https://www.amazon.in/Essential-Cell-Biology-Bruce-Alberts/dp/0393680363/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?dchild=1&qid=1608378907&refinements=p_27%3ABruce+Alberts&s=books&sr=1-12

Sorey I can't help much but maybe you can use these as talking points: The way amphetamines increase postsynaptic levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin via inhibiting reuptake, inhibiting MAO enzymes, and increasing release Amphetamines are structurally similar to dopamine

Drugs: Mind, Body, and Society by Martha Rosenthal

Friend of Bill “vaccine” Gates Nathan Meirgold is a co-author of a book. https://www.amazon.com/Modernist-Cuisine-Art-Science-Cooking/dp/0982761007

The book was written for millionaires and billionaires though.

Statistical physics of biomolecules of Zuckeman is a good book. Also Ken Dill's Molecular Driving Forces is more thermodynamics. Both books are quite good.

"Biochemistry" by Stryer, got me through my Biochem modules in UG. Hopefully there is a more up-to-date version than the Sixth Edition I have.

Edit: I found it - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Biochemistry-Lubert-Stryer/dp/0716746840

Actually for the last couple days I’ve been in a book for a change. genes in conflict . It’s been a pretty great read so far. A bit out of my comfort zone though so it’s been a slow go.

Even though I highly recommend it for anyone interested in thinking about how seemingly over complicated or counterproductive genetic elements get selected for.

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Also you can’t ask the question without playing along /u/lammnub

I've been in the same boat. Really though, form a good general understanding of the world first. Get the big things out of the way. To do this, start with the basics of chemistry. Alot of how biochemical pathways play out has to deal with these fundamentals. Electronegativity, polarity, solubility, all of these will help you piece together the details of what is happening when something is de-phosphorylated, or what it means to have an ion gradient, or what an ion is etc. I've found some really great outlines and summaries through the use of these sparkcharts. Also, really use the resources you have at hand, youtube is great and khan academy make very concise videos. Watching and reading media on the subject will help you outline everything in your mind thus enabling you to traverse the terrain. Science is great in that it really all builds on itself! Something else that i have found helpful is to incorporate it into your life to a greater degree, or as they may say "be about it". If biochemistry is something you want to do, have some fun with it. Be curious, form hobbies that involve an active scientific inquiry and help you build your love for it!

McMurry, The organic chemistry of biological pathways

It's a textbook, but the best there is when it comes to the chemical details of biological processes.

I agree with those mentioning to take a notebook. This is the one I use in my research. Observe and listen. then ask. Write everything down. Your homework for the first few days will be to google anything (technique, equipment, concepts, jargon etc.) that comes up you're not familiar with. What a great opportunity, have fun! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007LV4B?ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00&redirect=true&psc=1&pldnSite=1

Voet and Voet. I swear by this book. It's damn near encyclopedic.

http://smile.amazon.com/How-Proteins-Work-Mike-Williamson/dp/0815344465?sa-no-redirect=1

You can even rent the book for less than $50 for a few months. Please don't ask people to violate the law.

I really like the Stryer textbook. The NIH has it for free on their site, but you could probably find an older edition for relatively cheap online.

Maybe something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Biochemistry-Lubert-Stryer/dp/071673687X

If you're reasonably familiar with intro chem terminology you'd probably be fine.

This caffeine beaker mug! I'm assuming she drinks enough coffee to fell a small horse like the rest of us.

http://www.amazon.com/Fine-Getting-Along-With-Others/dp/0800712218/ref=pd_sim_14_6/191-7360991-7410165?ie=UTF8&refRID=0W9T4E67ET87FM4NF3TV&dpID=41DZ9VsWGSL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR107%2C160_

One thing that hasn't been brought up is the idea of "LabLit", realistic fiction about scientists actually doing science. My favorite of this genre so far is Allegra Goodman's "Intuition" about a postdoc in a cancer lab who begins to suspect that a colleague is fudging data in order to save a failed project.

I'd start with getting a good understanding of anatomy/physiology, microbiology, and just biology in general, and then applying basic organic chemistry to the mix. You really need to understand a lot of the concepts (maybe not mechanisms) and processes of all of these general studies to really comprehend biochem aside from just memorizing it. As far as a single book to explain that to you without that basic knowledge, that is hard. But texts books are certainly a start. Organic Chemistry as a Second Language is a great one for really understanding orgo. Many props to you for trying to get ahead of the game and looking into this stuff in high school.

Great idea to ask for a reading list, though the question is a bit vague and with the vast amount of literature available you're going to get responses all over the spectrum really. I do heartily second WinnebagoStreamliner's suggestions and would add one more to the "Popular Books" section: Life at the Speed of Light. Enjoy!

Android app that I like: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prynk.aminoacids

There are several others too!

(be careful though, there is a HQ image with one incorrect structure, I almost memorized incorrect structure based on that image for my test)