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.
