The National Education Policy (NEP-2020) emphasizes a holistic, flexible,
and multidisciplinary approach in higher education with a focus on conceptual
understanding, critical thinking, and skill development. In alignment with this
vision and as per the revised syllabus prescribed by KBC NMU, Jalgaon, the
Minor Course MB-214: Basic Enzymology and Metabolism has been introduced
at the S.Y.B.Sc. level in Microbiology to provide a strong foundation in the
chemical basis of life and the metabolic pathways that govern cellular functions.
Biochemistry is central to microbiology, as it explores the molecular
structures, properties and reactions of biomolecules viz. carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins, nucleic acids and the enzymes that regulate these processes. The study
of metabolism further extends this understanding by unraveling the complex
biochemical pathways through which microorganisms and other living systems
derive energy, synthesize cellular components and maintain homeostasis.
This book has been written in a student-friendly manner to meet the
requirements of the revised curriculum. Each unit is structured systematically
with clear explanations, illustrative examples, diagrams and end-of-unit exercises
to reinforce learning outcomes.
The authors express their sincere gratitude to the academic fraternity,
colleagues and institutions for their encouragement and guidance. We also
acknowledge the support of the publisher, M/s Prashant Publications, Jalgaon,
for their cooperation in bringing out this edition in time and in an elegant format.
While utmost care has been taken in preparing the manuscript, the
authors sincerely regret any errors or omissions that might have occurred. We
wholeheartedly welcome constructive feedback, suggestions and comments from
teachers and students, which will be invaluable in improving future editions.