Structure and Reactivity of Biomolecules

All the material needed for a modern course in organic chemistry, designed to interconnect biology and chemistry and facilitate communication between the two disciplines. Adopting a novel approach, this textbook explains the structure and reactivity of organic molecules along with simple chemical reaction mechanisms pertinent to cell metabolism, with assignments and corresponding answers for self-study in every chapter. In addition, biologically relevant substances and enzymatic reactions are described, building a bridge to biology. As opposed to textbooks in biochemistry, this book considers both primary metabolites, including their prebiotic formation, as well as important nutrients. Alongside the detailed nomenclature and etymology of the scientific terms, examples of natural and artificial products provide an insight into the wide range of materials found in everyday life, whetting the readers` appetite for a deeper study of the chemistry of biological processes. Finally, the biographies of over one hundred famous scientists illustrate the major achievements of chemistry and biology in the 20th century.