Pref 



ace 



In common with many other fields of study, biochemistry has ex- 

 panded rapidly in the last decade. Still more recently there has been 

 a general trend to both more intensive and more widespread collegiate 

 training in science. Therefore, our knowledge of biochemistry and 

 our concept of what phases should be taught have changed markedly. 

 All participants in this "revolution" agree that change will continue 

 and will probably accelerate. 



Although this book is essentially new, it originated from Intro- 

 duction to Agricultural Biochemistry by Dutcher, Jensen, and Alt- 

 house, published in 1951. In turn this latter book derived from an- 

 other of the same name by Dutcher and Haley (1932). We are deeply 

 indebted to these earlier authors for the inspiration and guidance 

 they have given us. 



We have rewritten the text completely, endeavoring to broaden 

 the coverage of underlying basic information, to raise the level in 

 keeping with the better backgrounds of students now entering the 

 subject, and to describe briefly some of the great advances being made 

 in the field. At the same time a textbook must be relatively short, 

 requiring a compromise on coverage. Therefore, we have sharply 

 restricted the material on the historical development of biochemistry 

 and the discussion of soils. Insufficient space also has prevented con- 

 sideration of farm chemurgy and pesticides. 



The book is divided into three major sections, devoted to general 

 biochemistry, plant biochemistry, and animal biochemistry. Indi- 

 vidual chapters are placed in these sections according to the orienta- 

 tion given the material. It is obvious that any such classification is 

 arbitrary in specific cases. In the interests of brevity we have at- 



