Avian biochemistry and molecular biology / Lewis Stevens.

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

1. Introduction -- 2. Avian nutrition -- 3. Carbohydrate and intermediary metabolism -- 4. Lipids and their metabolism -- 5. Protein and amino acid metabolism -- 6. Metabolic adaptation in avian species -- 7. Avian hormones and the control of metabolism -- 8. The avian genome -- 9. Avian multidomain genes and multigene families: their evolution and function -- 10. Avian steroid hormones and their control of gene expression -- 11. Avian oncogenes -- 12. Molecular genetics of avian development -- 13. The molecular basis of avian immunology -- Appendix: English common names of birds cited in the text.

The biology of birds is diverse and frequently differs significantly from that of other vertebrates. Many birds migrate or fly at high altitudes, while egg-laying and feather production places high demands on nutrient uptake and storage. This book is the only comprehensive and up-to-date survey of avian biochemistry and molecular biology available. It emphasises the similarities and differences between birds and other vertebrates, concentrating on new developments. The first section deals with protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, its hormonal control and the adaptations that occur in birds. The second covers the avian genome, gene expression, and avian immunology. Growth and embryological development are also discussed. Avian Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will be of interest to all those working on birds, especially postgraduate students and researchers.