Starting with photosynthesis, the authors have derived a very lucid, logical approach from CO2 and H2O to complicated structures of alkaloids, terpenes and many other natural products. This approach is based on the basic principles of Organic reaction mechanism which though taken from other research studies, have been shown to be followed in nature. In addition to the basic formulations of Acetate hypothesis, and Mevlonic pathways, newer non mevalonic paths have also been discussed and differences pointed out. As there is a limit to the inclusion of natural products in this text, only those cases are taken, in which basic principles are involved e.g. in alkaloids biosynthesis and basic amino acids which show their pathway in biosynthesis. The material has been arranged in a sequence as to how a teacher of biosynthesis should/would teach this subject.

Preface / Introduction / Biosynthetic Reactions / The Acetate Biosynthesis / Acetate Derived Metabolites Through Acylpolymalonate Pathway / Metabolites from Shikimates and Cinnamates / Isoprenoids / Biosynthesis of Alkaloids / Marine Natural Products / Subject Index.

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