Enzymes are indispensable tools in modern organic synthesis. Progress in cloning techniques, microbiology and protein purification has been supplying an ever-growing number and quantity of preparatively useful biocatalysts. Initially enzymes were only used to synthesize compounds found in nature. Nowadays they are also used on non-natural substrates under mild and environment-friendly conditions. In general enzymatic synthese have the advantage of excellent chemo-, regio- and stereo-selectivities. The present article focuses on the applicatio of glycosyltransferases in the area of molecular glycobiology. Selected reactions with non-natural substrates are discussed.

Key words: BIOCATALYSIS, GLYCOSYL TRANSFERASE, ACCEPTOR, DONOR, NUCLEOTIDES, SYNTHESIS, OLIGOSACCHARIDE