Synopses & Reviews
This book is concerned with the biosynthesis, biological activity, and ecological significance of secondary metabolites (natural products).These include alcaloids such as morphine, steroids like cholesterol, and antibiotics like the penicillins. The author considers each of the major classes of secondary metabolites according to the basic 'building blocks' from which they are derived and highlights the pharmacological and toxicological properties of compounds found in insects, plants, and microorganisms. The final chapter explores the possible ecological significance of these products. The second edition incorporates new material on the isolation and characterization of the enzymes of secondary metabolism and on the new NMR techniques which have revolutionized the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways. The book is important reading for advanced undergraduates and graduates in chemistry, biochemistry, and botany, as well as researchers in the pharmaceutical industry.
Review
"Will be of great interest to those biochemists and biologists who are concerned with the chemistry of life processes, particularly with the advances of the last decade or so....This is a well written textbook that has concise focused coverage, excellent chemical structures and pathways, and up-to-date suggestions for further reading keyed to each chapter. What I particularly liked were the brief historical and biological explanations given before each major metabolic group was discussed. This help put each type of compound into proper perspective with respect to general importance and motivation for doing the research." --The Quarterly Review of Biology
"Extremely authoritative, concise, and up-to-date. . . Beautifully organized and copiously illustrated." --Biochemical Journal
"An excellent account . . . May be recommended to all interested in natural product chemistry." --Biochemical Education
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Secondary Metabolites Derived from Acetate: Fatty Acids and Polyketides
3. Metabolites Derived from Mevalonate: Isoprenoids
4. Metabolites Derived from Shikimic Acid
5. The Secondary Metabolism of Amino Acids
6. Metabolites of Mixed Biosynthetic Origin
7. Secondary Metabolism and Ecology