An Introduction

This text provides a readily accessible source of information on the chemistry of biomolecules and aims to convey some of the fascination of the chemistry responsible for sustaining life. It describes syntheses and chemical properties of biomolecules, illustrating how events at the molecular level (i.e. chemistry) explain biological properties. Chemistry of Biomolecules covers the chemistry of those groups of compounds of biological importance which are included in most undergraduate chemistry courses, namely carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and steroids, with the addition of two areas of pharmaceutical interest - prostaglandins and beta-lactam antibiotics. The material is written in a lively style and includes sufficient detail to relieve students of the need to consult specific texts covering various types of biomolecule. This book will serve as a key text supporting undergraduate courses in the UK and post-graduate courses in the US, filling an important gap between general organic chemistry books - which may lack the detail needed - and expensive specialist texts.