VIII
Preface
works and this should allow the reader access to
earlier and original papers.
There are particular problems associated with
biochemical terminology and the names of organisms, as well as with the use of abbreviations
and symbols. Here, I have attempted on the one
hand to be consistent, but on tlie other hand to
diverge as little as possible from the terminology
of the original authors. Some remarks on biochemical nomenclature and the use of abbreviations are to be found at the end of the book; the
letter symbols for amino acids, other common
abbreviations, and the genetic code are reproduced on the bookmark.
Many areas of comparative biochemistry are
still in the fact-collecting stage, and the present
book is a compromise between the desires to
achieve a certain completeness and to avoid boring
lists. The reader will notice that special cases, outside of the norm, and entertaining exceptions give
me particular pleasure. The colourful diversity of
molecular structures and processes in animals has
always fascinated me. If I succeed in conveying
just a part of this fascination to the reader, then
this book will have fulfilled its purpose.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who
directly or indirectly have contributed to the production of this book. My family, my students and
my examination candidates have shown much
patience with me during the years of work on the
manuscript. My wife has, in addition, contributed directly to the book by preparing the figures. Particular thanks go to my secretary, Inge
Pullig, and to Dr. Jens Beyer and Prof. Erhard
Thomas, who took over many of my duties to
allow me time for this literary effort. I would also
like to thank the many colleagues who have given
me reprints or who have critically read parts of
the manuscript.
Prof. Bernt Linzen played a decisive role in the
creation of the book through his constructive
criticism, intelligent advice and encouraging comments but did not live to see its completion. I
dedicate this work to the memory of this eminent
researcher who contributed so much to comparative biochemistry.
Mainz, Autumn 1989
KLAUS URICH
Preface
works and this should allow the reader access to
earlier and original papers.
There are particular problems associated with
biochemical terminology and the names of organisms, as well as with the use of abbreviations
and symbols. Here, I have attempted on the one
hand to be consistent, but on tlie other hand to
diverge as little as possible from the terminology
of the original authors. Some remarks on biochemical nomenclature and the use of abbreviations are to be found at the end of the book; the
letter symbols for amino acids, other common
abbreviations, and the genetic code are reproduced on the bookmark.
Many areas of comparative biochemistry are
still in the fact-collecting stage, and the present
book is a compromise between the desires to
achieve a certain completeness and to avoid boring
lists. The reader will notice that special cases, outside of the norm, and entertaining exceptions give
me particular pleasure. The colourful diversity of
molecular structures and processes in animals has
always fascinated me. If I succeed in conveying
just a part of this fascination to the reader, then
this book will have fulfilled its purpose.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who
directly or indirectly have contributed to the production of this book. My family, my students and
my examination candidates have shown much
patience with me during the years of work on the
manuscript. My wife has, in addition, contributed directly to the book by preparing the figures. Particular thanks go to my secretary, Inge
Pullig, and to Dr. Jens Beyer and Prof. Erhard
Thomas, who took over many of my duties to
allow me time for this literary effort. I would also
like to thank the many colleagues who have given
me reprints or who have critically read parts of
the manuscript.
Prof. Bernt Linzen played a decisive role in the
creation of the book through his constructive
criticism, intelligent advice and encouraging comments but did not live to see its completion. I
dedicate this work to the memory of this eminent
researcher who contributed so much to comparative biochemistry.
Mainz, Autumn 1989
KLAUS URICH