This is the first of five books in the Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins in Organic Synthesis series. Closing a gap in the literature, this is the only book series in 5 volumes to cover this important topic in organic and biochemistry. Drawing upon the combined expertise of the international "who's who" in amino acid research, this series is a real benchmark for amino acid chemistry, providing a comprehensive discussion of the occurrence, uses and applications of amino acids and, by extension, their polymeric forms, peptides and proteins. The practical value of each volume is heightened by the inclusion of experimental procedures.This first volume is clearly divided into two parts. The first section deals with the origins of extraterrestrial and "terrestrial" amino acids and their evolution. The second part looks at their production and synthesis, including recent developments in the synthesis of ß-Amino acids. Diese stark praxisbezogene Reihe in 5 Bänden schließt eine Lücke in der verfügbaren Fachliteratur. Alle international wichtigen Aminosäureforscher diskutieren hier Vorkommen, Verwendungsmöglichkeiten und bereits existierende Anwendungen von Aminosäuren und ihren Polymeren, Peptiden und Proteinen.