In addition to the basic information needed to understand biogenesis and function of glycans, this text presents the most current work in the forefront of the field. Forty-one chapters, written and edited by glycobiologists with experience in both teaching and research, discuss general principles; biosynthesis, metabolism, and function; proteins that recognize glycans; glycans in genetic disorders and disease; and methods and applications. Edited by Varki, Jamey Marth, Maarten Chrispeels, and Jeffrey Esko (all of whom are associated with the U. of California, San Diego), as well as Richard Cummings (U. of Oklahoma), and Hudson Freeze (The Burnham Institute). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)