What is Fischer esterification?

In the Fischer esterification mechanism, what is the first step when reacting an amino acid carboxylic acid group with an alcohol?

How does nucleophilic acyl substitution play a role in both esterification and hydrolysis of amino acids?

In the context of Fischer esterification, why is the removal of water crucial for the reaction's progression?

What is the product of the reaction between serine and methanol under acidic conditions?