Biosynthesis in Insects: Advanced Edition - Softcover

Morgan, E David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1847558089 ISBN 13: 9781847558084

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2010

Synopsis

The chemical study of insects has been growing for four decades, and with it an interest in how insects make their pheromones, hormones, defensive secretions, venoms, pigments and surface coverings. By investigating the biosynthesis of insects, one can gain a greater insight into the structure and function of insect compounds, into ways of disrupting biosynthetic reactions in pest species and how these pathways evolved. The first textbook of its kind, Biosynthesis in Insects amalgamates previously fragmented information and recent exciting developments in the field to provide a unique, concise chemical study of how insect substances are biosynthesised. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the ways that have been investigated, by which a great variety of insects, and some related arthropods, make their so-called secondary metabolites. Simpler biosynthetic pathways are explored before considering the experimental methods by which these studies are conducted. Consideration is also given to some of the plant substances which insects store or metabolize to their own use. Abundantly illustrated with structures and reactions, and some beautiful photographs, Biosynthesis in Insects includes a series of problems and answers to facilitate and assess learning, making this unique look at biosynthesis in insects and their near relations ideal for students with some chemical background starting out on a study of insect substances. Researchers and academics will also welcome the amalgamation of previously scattered information. Including an index of compounds and species, and lists for further reading, this book provides a truly unique source for those working in the field.

About this title

About the Author

E David Morgan is in the Chemical Ecology Group, Lennard-Jones Laboratory at Keele University, UK. He has worked at the National Institute for Medical Research, the Shell Chemical Company, and subsequently became Lecturer, Reader and Professor, now Emeritus Professor at Keele University. In 2011 Professor Morgan was awarded an honorary DSc by Memorial University, Canada.

From the Back Cover

Thoroughly revised and up-dated, this advanced edition of Biosynthesis in Insects is still the only book on the growing subject of biosynthesis in insects. The new edition is directed more towards researchers and the end of chapter problems have been replaced by references to important research. It covers new developments from recent years including material on molecular biology, genetics, and enzymes. As in the first edition, the book is organized by biosynthetic routes, (fatty acids, polyketides, terpenes, phenyl-C3 types), as far as this system allows. Later chapters are based on type of compound or function, including pigments and venoms. The book is fully illustrated with formulae, reaction schemes, diagrams and illustrations. It contains many references to key aspects of the literature and contains suggestions for background and further reading for those not familiar with certain aspects of the subject, (which range from mechanistic organic chemistry through biochemistry, chemical ecology, to evolution and molecular biology). Not only are insects considered but where it is available, information about biosynthesis in related arthropods is provided, such as millipedes, centipedes, mites, ticks, spiders and opilionids. The reader has here an introduction to a wide range of insect metabolites, and an in-depth consideration of how, and where they are made. It is a valuable source of information for those working in the fields of chemical ecology, entomology, social organisation, plant protection and pesticides.

Edition details

• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1847558089
• ISBN 13: 9781847558084
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 380