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It was perhaps a mark of how successful the second edition of Instant Notes in Biochemistry was that we
recall seeing a final year student avidly reading it even as he waited to have his viva with the External
Examiner. Although we would strongly recommend to any student not to leave revision to such a very
late stage, this experience alone proved the value of a concise book that focused on essential biochemical
information in an easily accessible format! Let us be clear. This is not a book to replace the superb all-embracing and highly detailed Biochemistry textbooks that take the reader to the cutting edge of this science. Rather, its goal is to allow the reader to cut to the heart of the matter, to see what the core information is and readily to assimilate it. For mainstream Biochemistry students, it may be seen as complementary to the large
detailed textbooks, whereas for students taking Biochemistry as an optional or elective module, it
should be welcome as a fast way to become acquainted with the main facts and concepts.
This book is aimed at supporting students primarily in the first and second years of their degree,
although, as we recount above, it can also serve as a welcome friend when faced with certain adverse
situations even in the final year! The third edition has taken on board all of the many comments and
advice that we have gratefully received from readers and academic colleagues alike, and we have
corrected a number of errors, omissions and ambiguities. No doubt we have still missed a few; do let
us know of any that you spot. This revision has necessarily reflected the many new directions that
Biochemistry has taken since the last edition, whilst also preserving coverage of the core of the subject.
The book now also includes expanded coverage of cell structure and imaging, proteomics, microarrays,
signal transduction, etc. As with earlier editions, we have been careful to include only the information
that we believe is essential for good student understanding of the subject – and for rapid revision when
exams appear on the horizon. Do use the book not only to get to grips with the subject but also as a
ready source of elusive information. We hope and believe that you will find it as useful as past
students told us they found the earlier editions.
