In the mid-1980s the "European Journal of Biochemistry" set out to publish review articles. These reviews represented emerging and rapidly growing fields of research in fundamental as well as applied areas of biochemistry, such as medicine, biotechnology, agriculture and nutrition. Novel methodological and technological approaches which stimulate biochemical research are also included. It is hoped that the reviews will encourage young scientists toward independent and creative thinking, and inform active investigators about the state of the art in a given field.