Book excerpt: This book provides the "nuts and bolts" background for a successful study of carbohydrates - the essential molecules that not only give you energy, but are an integral part of many biological processes.A question often asked is 'Why do carbohydrate chemistry?' The answer is simple: It is fundamental to a study of biology. Carbohydrates are the building blocks of life and enable biological processes to take place.Therefore the book will provide a taste for the subject of glycobiology.Covering the basics of carbohydrates and then the chemistry and reactions of carbohydrates this book will enable a chemist to gain essential knowledge that will enable them to move smoothly into the worlds of biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology. - Includes perspective from new co-author Spencer Williams, who enhances coverage of the connection between carbohydrates and life - Describes the basic chemistry and biology of carbohydrates - Reviews the concepts, synthesis, reactions, and biology of carbohydrates