Basic Biochemistry provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry and their significance in understanding living systems. The book systematically covers the structure, functions, and properties of major biomolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, and hormones. It explains the chemical basis of life and highlights the role of biomolecules in cellular organization, metabolism, and physiological processes.

The text further explores essential biochemical concepts such as acids, bases, buffers, bioenergetics, glycolysis, glycogenesis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid oxidation, and ketone body metabolism. Special emphasis is given to metabolic pathways and their applications in biological, food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical sciences. The book also discusses secondary metabolites, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds with their industrial importance.

Designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students of life sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, food science, pharmacy, and allied disciplines, this book serves as a valuable resource for building a strong foundation in modern biochemistry.

Dr. Sunil Kumar Pandey is an accomplished academician and researcher in the field of Plant Physiology. He holds an M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India. Currently, he serves as Assistant Professor (Plant Physiology) in the Department of Plant Physiology at the College of Agriculture, Powarkheda, Narmadapuram, under Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Dr. Pandey specializes in abiotic stress physiology, with a focus on high temperature stress, waterlogging, and salinity stress in crops. He has made significant contributions to agricultural research, with over 31 research papers published in reputed journals, along with 5 book chapters, 1 e-book, 35 conference abstracts, and 2 technical bulletins.

An active mentor, he has guided 4 M.Sc. (Ag.) students as a major advisor and has served as a committee member for 13 M.Sc. and 4 Ph.D. scholars. He has also contributed to an international research project, reflecting his engagement in global scientific collaboration.

Dr. Pandey’s academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards, including the UGC Research Fellowship during his Ph.D., Young Scientist Award, Distinguished Scientist Award, Excellence in Research Award for his outstanding contributions to Plant Physiology, and Best Teacher Award. He has also received international training certifications from JICA and the Institute of Crop Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Japan.

Chapter 1. Introduction and Importance of Basic Biochemistry
Chapter 2. Overview of Biomolecules in Living Systems
Chapter 3. Carbohydrates Structure
Chapter 4. Carbohydrates Functions and Properties
Chapter 5. Lipids Structure, Functions and Properties
Chapter 6. Proteins Structure, Functions and Properties
Chapter 7. Nucleic Acids Structure, Functions and Properties
Chapter 8. General Functions and Properties of Biomolecules
Chapter 9. Acids, Bases and Buffers in Living Systems
Chapter 10. pK of Biomolecules
Chapter 11. Vitamins
Chapter 12. Hormones
Chapter 13. Bioenergetics
Chapter 14. Glycolysis and Glycogenesis
Chapter 15. Citric Acid Cycle and Glycogenolysis
Chapter 16. Oxidative Phosphorylation
Chapter 17. Fatty Acid Oxidation and Ketone Bodies Metabolism
Chapter 18. Secondary Metabolites, Alkaloids, Phenolics and Their Applications in Food and Pharmaceutical Industries