The study of Biochemistry is prerequisite not only for understanding the basic functions of the living body at cellular and molecular levels, but also finding remedies for a variety of ailments that afflict human beings.

The publication of this book on Biochemistry certainly meets the requirements of students, teachers, professionals and layman also. One of the salient features of this book is that it covers course contents as per the recommendations of Medical Council of India (MCI). The book has also been written in a lucid language that enables the students to understand and grasp the fundamentals and its applications. Moreover, in order to enable the reader to understand the topic in its proper perspective, additional information has been provided in the form of diagrams, tables and flow charts. Importantly, in the book, each chapter concludes with a summary of topic, multiple choice questions (MCQs) and clinical cases.

In addition to medical students, this book will also be useful for other branches and learning of health sciences.

I congratulate Dr Pankaja Naik for doing an excellent job in writing this valuable book and wish her all the very best in this endeavor.

The curriculum of biochemistry for medical students is vast and the time available for its study is comparatively short. All this has prompted me to write a concise textbook on biochemistry, which should be complete, comprehensive, easily understandable and exam oriented.

The entire text has been rewritten, simplified and conveniently divided into thirty-five chapters, that encompasses all the syllabus recommended by the Medical Council of India (MCI). Excessive details, redundancy and verbosity have been minimized as far as possible without compromising the clarity of expression and accuracy of meaning. Wherever possible, additional information has been provided in the form of diagrams, tables and flow charts. The book is well illustrated and each chapter begins with a chapter outline that indicates the topics covered and concludes with a “Summary” of the contents. Multiple choice questions (MCQs) and clinical cases given at the end of the chapters are intended to help the students in self assessment. I do hope the students will appreciate this book as a resource for securing knowledge and procuring good marks in the examination.

In addition to medical students, this book will also be useful for students of dental, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing and other life sciences. If this book truly helps the students in understanding biochemistry, I shall consider that I have done my job in providing a secured base for students to excel further in medical sciences.

I will be highly obliged if readers can respond with their feedback in the form of comments, constructive criticism and suggestions at the following e-mail address: pankajanaik@hotmail.com.

I thank Mrs Chetna Malhotra Vohra, Senior Manager and Mr CS Gawade, Branch Manager, Mumbai branch of M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd, New Delhi, India who provided me inspiration to write this book.

I sincerely express my gratitude to Smt Neelimatai Pawar, Sarchitnis, Nashik Maratha Vidya Prasarak Samaj, Nashik, Maharashtra, India for her continuous support and encouragement.

I would like to thank Dr (Mrs) Mrunal Patil (Dean) of my college for all the cooperation extended to me.

I thank all my fellow teachers and senior professors from various institutes and universities across the world for their suggestions which enabled me to bring out Essentials of Biochemistry successfully.

My colleague in the department, Mr Momin (Assistant Professor) helped me in designing the cover page. Indeed, I sincerely acknowledge his help. Without the able DTP operator, the manual would not have been completed within the due period. I profusely thank Mr Mukesh Kale in Nashik for the same.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the help rendered by Mr Chavan, Mr Rayate, Mr Gosavi, Mr Labhade and Mr Khelukar of my department.

I am indebted to Shri Jitendar P Vij, the dynamic Chairman and Managing Director, M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd, New Delhi and his dedicated team of professionals: Mr Tarun Duneja (Director-Publishing), Mr KK Raman (Production Manager), Mrs Samina Khan (PA to Director-Publishing), Mr Neelambar Pant (Production Coordinator), Mrs Yashu Kapoor, Mr Varun Rana & Mr Sunil Rawat (DTP Operators), Mr Manoj Pahuja (Graphic Designer) and Mr Abhas Mukherjee (Proofreader) for their continuous cooperation, enthusiasm and their excellent work in bringing out this book.

Last but not least, I thank my husband Mr Shekhar and my son Sushrut for understanding and supporting me to complete the task successfully.