Carbohydrate chemistry from Fischer to now.

The story of carbohydrate chemistry from its embryonic stage to the present day high profile research bridging organic chemistry and the life sciences is like a fascinating travelogue through space and time. In this brief article, this intriguing field of natural products chemistry is presented with appropriate illustrations, with the hope that it will kindle further interest in the young readers to whom this is primarily addressed. We begin our journey with Emil Fischer and quickly traverse some areas of classical and modern organic chemistry. In the process we come across some familiar landmarks as well as visit a few exotic places before ending on the borders of biology. Beyond this is a region full of promise inviting further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]