This book covers in detail the mechanisms for how energy is managed in the human body. The basic principles that elucidate the reactivity and physical interactions of matter are addressed and quantified with simple approaches. Three-dimensional representations of molecules are presented throughout the book so molecules can be viewed as unique entities in their shape and function. 

The book is focused on the molecular mechanisms of cellular processes in the context of human physiological situations such as fasting, feeding and physical exercise, in which metabolic regulation is highlighted. Furthermore the book uses key historical experiments that opened up new concepts in biochemistry to further illustrate how the human body functions at molecular level, helping students to appreciate how scientific knowledge emerges.

New to this edition:

- 30 challenging practical case studies (2-3 at the end of each chapter) based on movies, novels, biographies, documentaries, paintings, and other cultural and artistic creations far beyond canonic academic exercises.

- A set of challenging questions and problems in the end of each case study to further engage students with the applications of medical biochemistry

- Insights into the answers to the challenging questions to help steer teaching/learning interactions key to productive lectures, PBL (problem-based learning) or traditional tutorials, or e-learning approaches.

Advance praise for the second edition:


“The Challenging Cases are compelling both from a scientific viewpoint and for the perspective they provide on the history of medicine.”  David M. Jameson, University of Hawaii



“Using case studies to reinforce the biochemistry lessons is extremely effective – as well as entertaining!”  Joseph P. Albanesi, UT Southwestern Medical Center

Advance Praise for the first edition:

“This textbook provides a modern and integrative perspective of human biochemistry and will be a faithful companion to health science students following curricula in which this discipline is addressed. This textbook will be a most useful tool for the teaching community.”

Joan Guinovart



Former director of the Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona, Spain, and former president of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, IUBMB