Biogenesis of Natural Products

With photosynthesis as the starting point, 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. Kumar takes on cases in which basic principles are involved, such as in alkaloids biosynthesis and basic amino acids which show their pathway in biosynthesis.

The material has been arranged in a sequence likened to that of which a teacher of biosynthesis would use, establishing the book as a comprehensive guide for those studying biogenesis of natural products.