This thesis describes a possible alternative isoprenoid pathway in bacteria by considering some previously unpublished feeding studies in the context of the related background literature. Three synthetic routes to 2,4-dihydroxy-4-methyltetrahydropyran (63) and three synthetic strategies towards the synthesis of 2-carboxy-2,4-dihydroxy-4-methyltetrahydropyran (63) are discussed. These compounds are considered as potential intermediates in the proposed alternative bacterial isoprenoid pathway. Labelled synthesis of (63) and structural analysis of (63) and 4-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-methyltetrahydropyran (99) by proton nmr are also described. Feeding studies including the ¹³C isotopically labelled tetrahydropyrans (63) and (99) are described and a revised interpretation of all of the feeding studies considered. HMGCoA synthase is assayed in Rh. capsulata after a description of its assay in bakers yeast.