Sugar chains (glycans) are often attached to proteins and lipids and have multiple roles in the organization and function of all organisms. They participate in activities as diverse as protein folding, leukocyte physiology, and microbial pathogenesis. Genetic defects in their assembly are at the root of a growing list of human diseases. Essentials of Glycobiology is an ideal gateway to the understanding of glycans, and is the first textbook approach to describing their biogenesis and function. Written and edited by glycobiologists with experience in both teaching and research, this volume will be invaluable for students and established investigators in developmental biology, cell biology, neuroscience, immunology, and biochemistry, who need a complete yet concise introduction to this burgeoning field.