The book covers the microbiological, environmental and biotechnological aspects of alkane production. Alkanes are important energy-rich compounds on earth. Microbial synthesis of methane and other alkanes is an essential part of the geochemical cycling of carbon and offers perspectives for our biobased economy. This book discusses different aspects of current knowledge of microbial alkane production. Chapters with state of the art information are written by renowned scientists in the field. The chapters are organised into four themed parts:1. Biochemistry of Biogenesis - Hydrocarbons2. Taxonomy, Ecophysiology and Genomics of Biogenesis - Hydrocarbons3. Biogenic Communities: Members, Functional Roles4. Global Consequences of Methane Production

A unique and critical analysis of the wealth of research conducted on the biology, biochemistry and chemical ecology of the rapidly growing field of insect cuticular hydrocarbons. Authored by leading experts in their respective fields, the twenty chapters show the complexity that has been discovered in the nature and role of hydrocarbons in entomology. Covers, in great depth, aspects of chemistry (structures, qualitative and quantitative analysis), biochemistry (biosynthesis, molecular biology, genetics, evolution), physiology, taxonomy, and ecology. Clearly presents to the reader the array of data, ideas, insights and historical disagreements that have been accumulated during the past half century. An emphasis is placed on the role of insect hydrocarbons in chemical communication, especially among the social insects. Includes the first review on the chemical synthesis of insect hydrocarbons. The material presented is a major resource for current researchers and a source of ideas for new researchers.

Biogenesis of Natural Compounds, Second Edition is released to provide updated information on the biogenesis of natural compounds. Most of the chapters in this book are rewritten, and new author contributes a paper on the biogenesis of proteins. This edition also includes a new chapter that deals with the formation of carcinogenic polynuclear hydrocarbons. However, all other chapters are maintained; some of which have modified headings. This edition will help those studying the biogenesis of natural compounds and in need of more updated information compared to those presented in the previous edition.

"Starting with photosynthesis, the authors present a very lucid and logical approach from CO[subscript 2] and H[subscript 2]O to complicated structures of alkaloids, terpenes and many other natural products 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. This book discusses natural products 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."--BOOK JACKET.

Concise chapters, written by experts in the field, cover a wide spectrum of topics on lipid and membrane formation in microbes (Archaea, Bacteria, eukaryotic microbes).All cells are delimited by a lipid membrane, which provides a crucial boundary in any known form of life. Readers will discover significant chapters on microbial lipid-carrying biomolecules and lipid/membrane-associated structures and processes.

This guide covers classes of natural products in medicine, whether derived from plants, micro-organisms or animals. Structured according to biosynthetic pathway, it is written from a chemistry-based approach.