Foreword_1995_Carbon-13-NMR-Spectroscopy-of-Biological-Systems

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Foreword 
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has become a standard ana- 
lytical tool in biological sciences. A large variety of different isotopes has 
been used, each nucleus having its own advantages and disadvantages. The 
most conspicuous features of 13C NMR are (i) the ubiquity of carbon in or- 
ganic matter, (ii) the low natural abundance of the 13C isotope which allows 
the specific labeling of organic molecules with 13C, and (iii) the large chemical 
shift range of 13C, which simplifies the structural assignments. 
This book is intended for those wishing to obtain an in-depth under- 
standing of 13C NMR as a tool in biological research. After a short introduc- 
tion into the basic principles of ~3C NMR spectroscopy, the succeeding chap- 
ters provide authoritative reviews on all important methodological aspects 
of 13C NMR as well as its applications, written by acknowledged experts in 
their fields. 
13C NMR has provided unique information concerning complex bio- 
logical systems, from molecules to whole organisms. The availability of iso- 
topically enriched biomolecules, stimulated by advances in molecular biol- 
ogy and biotechnology, has recently opened an avenue for structural studies 
of molecules of increasing complexity using multidimensional heteronuclear 
techniques, both in the liquid and solid states. The investigation of interac- 
tions in complex systems such as model membranes has also been an impor- 
tant target of ~3C NMR. In addition, ~3C NMR has become the method of 
choice for the elucidation of metabolic mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. 
Upon metabolization of the 13C-enriched substrates, the 13C label is trans- 
ferred to several intermediates, and hence metabolic pathways and fluxes 
may be analyzed. Finally, 13C NMR has found its way into clinical studies on 
humans. Of particular interest have been investigations of liver and muscle 
glycogen in healthy and pathological states. 
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xviii / Foreword 
All these different aspects of 13C NMR, regarded as a tool in biological 
research, are covered in this book. In summary, it is this unique mix of physi- 
cal methods and biological applications that makes it a convenient starting 
point for those interested in research in this interdisciplinary area of physics, 
biology, and medicine. 
Joachim Seelig