Biosynthesis of Sugar Components of Antibiotic Substances

Abstract

Publisher Summary It is noted that extensive research on the chemistry of antibiotics has led to the discovery of numerous new sugars, many of which possess unusual structures. Carbohydrate-containing antibiotics can be classified into two large groups—namely, those which are entirely carbohydrate in nature and those, which contain sugars as glycosidic components. This chapter focuses on recent developments in sugar components of antibiotic substances. It also describes the biosynthesis of related sugars that are not found in antibiotics. Deoxy sugars are discovered as components of antibiotics. These sugars can be divided into two groups according to their biosynthesis. Group 1 includes methyl-branched sugars and sugars having a two carbon branch. These sugars arise by transfer of a C1or C2 unit from appropriate donors to nucleotide-bound hexosuloses. Group 2 consists of sugars having a hydroxymethyl or formyl branch. These sugars are formed by intramolecular rearrangement of nucleotide-bound hexosuloses, with ring contraction and expulsion of one carbon atom.