How Life Works [OP]: The Inside Word from a Biochemist

by William Elliott

* Explores how life works in a captivating and accessible manner
* Gives the reader a much deeper understanding into current media topics like stem cell research, genetically modified foods and many other health related issues.

Biochemistry not only explains what DNA is and how it forms the blueprint for who you are, it also explains how the food you eat is broken down, supplying the energy to run a marathon. It shows the intricate structures of proteins and describes their amazing functions. With millions of interactions and reactions all taking place in accord, biochemistry is the science of how life works.

Complete with color illustrations and written in a conversational style, biochemists William and Daphne Elliott unravel the mystery of life while revealing its majesty. How do chemical reactions occur? How do genes hold information? Why do our bodies age? What happens when someone gets cancer? How Life Works provides the inside word for those who are curious about the workings of the microscopic world inside us.

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

1788-1863

Reviews

[Divya Narayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave it a 4 because it was extremely well written and informative, but in reality it was probably personally a 2 from me because as someone with a rudimentary knowledge of science based at a high school level from 6 years ago, it was really difficult with me to keep up with it in parts. I felt the basics were not explained at a simple level, the 'basics' used complex scientific terminology. As the book progressed, the level of presumed knowledge increased significantly as well.

However, the way it discussed scientific concepts was intricate and detailed, which I am sure those inclined to science and with a good foundational knowledge would love.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written book describing in easy to follow terms detailed descriptions of the DNA structure from molecular structures to how enzymes break down food and disperse it through the cells for energy. Basic description of how genetically one out of a thousand molecules in a strand could result in life ending diseases such as leukemia and cystic fibrosis. Overall, this was a very enjoyable and relaxing read, unlike other science books that I have read, which sometimes get a little taxing when describing in full detail every intricate detail of experiments.