F Pietra – författare

This text provides an integrated evaluation of the diversity of natural products in relation to biodiversity. The ongoing exploitation of biological resources, while maintaining an effective equilibrium on Earth, depends much on the conservation of biodiversity. To this end, parts one and two focus on biodiversity from all viewpoints, while explaining the link with natural products. The third section concentrates on the molecular-shape level, as a link to ecosystem and biodiversity, while the fourth section tackles actual functionalization, as a link to biodiversity at species level. Part five addresses the diversification of these resources from biotechnology and chemical technology, while the final part is concerned with maintaining natural product diversity on Earth.

This, the most recent contribution to the Tetrahedron Organic Chemistry series, provides an integrated evaluation of the diversity of natural products in relation to biodiversity. The ongoing exploitation of biological resources, while maintaining an effective equilibrium on Earth, depends much on the conservation of biodiversity. To this end, parts one and two focus on biodiversity from all viewpoints, while explaining the link with natural products. The third section concentrates on the molecular-shape level, as a link to ecosystem and biodiversity, while the fourth section tackles actual functionalization, as a link to biodiversity at species level. Part five addresses the diversification of these resources from biotechnology and chemical technology, while the final part is concerned with maintaining natural product diversity on Earth.

This, the most recent contribution to the Tetrahedron Organic Chemistry series, provides an integrated evaluation of the diversity of natural products in relation to biodiversity. The ongoing exploitation of biological resources, while maintaining an effective equilibrium on Earth, depends much on the conservation of biodiversity. To this end, parts one and two focus on biodiversity from all viewpoints, while explaining the link with natural products. The third section concentrates on the molecular-shape level, as a link to ecosystem and biodiversity, while the fourth section tackles actual functionalization, as a link to biodiversity at species level. Part five addresses the diversification of these resources from biotechnology and chemical technology, while the final part is concerned with maintaining natural product diversity on Earth.

Underwater exploration is a fascinating activity because of the richness of sea life, the beautiful colors, and the contrast with terrestrial life. It can be done by diving or snorkeling -today there is fine equipment for diving and taking underwater pictures­ and, apart from being a source of pleasure, it forms the basis of modern ecological and behavioral marine studies. Diving is an emotional activity. The silence of the submarine world, only interrupted by breathing, has more than once evoked the monsters of the fabulous tales of my youth. Maybe because, although much time has elapsed since then, I still have a youth''s ability to evaluate everything for the fascination it conveys. However, no more than that can be gained from underwater watehing. I am not saying that this is destined to be a futile exercise. Picasso watched sea urchins much in the same way while revealing their quintessence in his paintings at the Castle of Antibes. What I mean is that today marine life can also be viewed from the perspective of the natural products involved. This knowledge, subsequent to Picasso''s time, adds much to the overall picture.