| Abstract: | Acylneuraminic acids occupy an outstanding position both sterically and with respect to biological functions in gangliosides and in many glycoprotein molecules. Acylneuraminic acids are N-acylated and partly O-acylated derivatives of neuraminic acid, a polyhydroxyamino keto acid that has the properties of a carbohydrate and is therefore capable of forming a glycoside linkage. The present report provides a survey of our knowledge of the chemistry and biology of the acylneuraminic acids, which occur widely in particular in the animal kingdom. |
