An Introduction to Peptide Chemistry

An Introduction to Peptide Chemistry P. D. Bailey, University of York Peptide chemistry is a key area in natural product chemistry, combining aspects of analysis, synthesis and biochemistry. In recent years peptide chemistry has emerged as a discipline in its own right, distinct from amino acid chemistry and protein chemistry. The importance of peptide chemistry is reflected in the intense research interest, exemplified by the progress made in solid-phase peptide synthesis. Recent developments in the determination and prediction of the three-dimensional structure of peptides, and in our understanding and control of their biosynthesis, have led to dramatic advances in the field. This book is intended as a short treatise on peptide chemistry aimed at upper-level undergraduates studying chemistry and biochemistry. This concise account has been thoughtfully presented; emphasis is placed on the principles of peptide chemistry, and how these relate to organic, physical, and biological chemistry.

About the Author Patrick Bailey graduated from St Catherine's College, Oxford in 1980, and remained there to carry out his DPhil on peptide chemistry in Dr G.T. Young's laboratory. He took up his Lectureship in the Department of Chemistry at York in 1983, and gained a 5-year Career Development Award from the Yorkshire Cancer Research Campaign in 1986. His research work is divided into two main areas: the discovery and application of new methods in asymmetric synthesis, and the design and preparation of novel cyclic peptides for studies into molecular recognition.