Biological Functions of Carbohydrates (Molecular and Cell Biology of Human Diseases Series) - Hardcover

Candy, D.J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0216910102 ISBN 13: 9780216910102

Publisher: Springer, 1980

Synopsis

The study of carbohydrates in biology is one of the longest-established aspects of the subject. In consequence, it is treated in most text­ books of biology and biochemistry~at least at an elementary level. However, certain areas of carbohydrate biochemistry have expanded rapidly over the past few years as a result of intense research activity. Such advances make this an opportune time to draw together the newer ideas of carbohydrate functions and to present them within a framework of established knowledge. This book describes the role of carbohydrates in biology at a level which is suitable for undergraduate students in biochemistry, biology and the medical sciences. The subject is treated to the final-year level although, inevitably, advanced students will wish to expand their knowledge of particular topics by use of the reading list provided as an appendix. Two areas are particularly emphasized. The first is the metabolic reactions of carbohydrates and the functions of such reactions in the organism. Here the regulation of metabolism in response to different physiological requirements is stressed, and concepts of compartmentation and transport are explored. The second area is concerned with the metabolism and functions of carbohydrate polymers. Here there has been a rapid expansion of research, particularly into the role of specific interactions of carbohydrates which occur, for example, at cell surfaces.

About this title

Synopsis

The growth of interest in certain areas of carbohydrate biochemistry in recent years has made it opportune to draw together the ideas of carbohydrate functions and to present them within a framework of established knowledge. Two areas are particularly emphasised: firstly, the metabolic reactions of carbohydrates, and the functions of such reactions in the organism; secondly, the metabolism and functions of carbohydrate polymers. To illustrate these ideas, specific examples have been chosen from a number of different animals, plants, and micro-organisms.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1980
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0216910102
• ISBN 13: 9780216910102
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 206