Metabolic Pathways, Third Edition: Volume VII: Metabolism of Sulfur Compounds deals with various aspects of the metabolism and biosynthesis of sulfur compounds such as coenzyme A, biotin, thiamine, and lipoic acid. The biochemistry of glutathione and the sulfur cycle is also discussed, together with sulfate activation and transfer; oxidative metabolism of cysteine and cystine in animal tissues; and enzyme defects in sulfur amino acid metabolism in humans. This volume is comprised of 15 chapters and begins with a discussion on the pathways of biosynthesis and dissimilation of coenzyme A, as well as the metabolic fate of exogenous coenzyme A in animals. The reader is then introduced to the chemistry, biosynthesis, metabolism, biological role, and biodegradation of biotin; the biosynthesis and function of thiamine; and the biosynthesis, dissimilation, and metabolic role of lipoic acid. Other sulfur compounds considered in this text are glutathione, cysteine and cystine, riboflavin, thiosulfate sulfurtransferase, mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, and methionine. The final chapter is devoted to human diseases associated with enzyme defects in sulfur amino acid metabolism. This book will be a useful resource for biologists and biochemists.
