This book is a first course in statistics for students of biology. Most of the examples have an ecological bias, but illustrate principles which have direct relevance for biologists doing laboratory work. The structured approach begins with basic concepts, and progresses towards an appreciation of the needs and use of analysis of variance and regression, and includes the use of computer statistical packages. The work is clearly explained with worked examples of real-life biological problems, and should be suitable for undergraduate students engaged in quantitative biological work. Biostatistics should give students a sound grasp of the key principles of biological statistics without overwhelming detail, and should allow students to quickly apply techniques to their own work and data.

In the post-genome era, questions concerning gene products, enzymes, and metabolism are returning to the forefront of life science research. Genetic information on its own does not fully account for an enzyme's kinetic and regulatory properties or for the behavior of the enzymes within its particular cellular milieu. Unanswered questions about the regulation, integration, and adaptation of metabolism have led to a resurgence of interest in protein, enzymological, and metabolic research for understanding biological processes.

Functional Metabolism: Regulation and Adaptation provides a comprehensive survey of metabolism. It includes an in-depth examination of the regulation of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids, and approaches to the study of enzyme regulation, signal transduction, and control of transcription and translation. The contributors-an internationally recognized group of researchers-also cover:

• The metabolic basis of diabetes, obesity, and blood disorders
• Oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses in health and disease
• Novel perspectives on biochemical adaptation to environmental stress
• Application of metabolic knowledge to developments in organ preservation and understanding the origin of life

From the basics of metabolic regulation and adaptation to the latest relevant advances in the genetic, proteomic, and enzymatic basis of how cells regulate their functions, Functional Metabolism: Regulation and Adaptation offers the most exhaustive treatment of the subject currently available. It is an essential text for students and practitioners in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and biomedicine.

One family of viruses is responsible for the infection of many species of vertebrates. These are the retroviruses whose genomic RNA is used to support genetic information and ensures many essential functions that are required for the formation of an infectious viral particle. These functions depend on structures formed by the folding of the genomic RNA. Structures and Functions of Retroviral RNAs describes the formation of these structures and their specific interactions with nucleic acids and proteins. In light of recent advances in molecular virology, it provides an understanding of the various facets of the retroviral genome. It emphasizes in particular that the study of the structure-function relationship of retroviral RNAs is a driving force behind increased research into HIV-1, the main causal agent of AIDS. Indeed, one of the challenges of pharmacology lies in the exploitation of several targets which allow us to anticipate and stem the emergence of resistance to anti-HIV drugs. The book also presents structures and interactions that may be potential future targets in this regard.

This popular resource has been comprehensively updated to cover the revised CCEA A2 level Biology specification. Following the same content as the specification, the book is presented in full colour with over two hundred illustrations. This bright and clear layout will aid students' understanding of the course. Sample examination questions are also provided throughout to reinforce learning and aid preparation for the exam. New material addressing the practical work in the A2 3 paper has been added to this edition. Contents A2 1 Physiology, Co-ordination and Control, and Ecosystems Chapter 1 - Homeostasis and the Kidney Chapter 2 - Immunity Chapter 3 - Coordination and Control in Plants Chapter 4 - Neurones and Synapses Chapter 5 - The Eye and Muscle Chapter 6 - Populations and Communities Chapter 7 - Ecological Energetics and Nutrient Cycling A2 2 Biochemistry, Genetics and Evolutionary Trends Chapter 8 - Respiration Chapter 9 - Photosynthesis Chapter 10 - DNA as the Genetic Code (Protein Synthesis) Chapter 11 - Gene Technology Chapter 12 - Genes and Patterns of Inheritance Chapter 13 - Population Genetics Chapter 14 - The Plant and Animal Kingdoms Chapter 15 - Statistics The author, Dr James Napier, is a well-known Biology author and a former teacher in a Northern Ireland Grammar School.