This concise text provides the perfect introduction to the chemistry involved in the biosynthesis of natural products. It straightforwardly explains the connections between primary and secondary metabolites, outlines the chemistry mediated by major enzyme cofactors, and describes methods for the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways. The different classes of secondary metabolites are detailed with an emphasis on the pharmacology and toxicology of the various compounds. The book concludes with an examination of the ecological significance of a wide variety of natural products. Undergraduates in organic chemistry and bio-organic chemistry courses will appreciate the readability and cogency of this much-needed text.