An Introduction to Genetic Engineering - 2nd Edition

Paperback  304 pp, 111 diags  ISBN 0521004713      £25.00

Des Nicholl presents here a new, fully revised, and expanded edition of his popular undergraduate-level textbook. Many of the features of the original edition have been retained; the book still offers a concise technical introduction to the subject of genetic engineering. However, the book is now divided into three main sections: the first introduces students to basic molecular biology, the second section explains the methods used to manipulate genes, and the third deals with modern applications of genetic engineering. A whole chapter is now devoted to the polymerase chain reaction. Applications covered in the book include genomics, protein engineering, gene therapy, cloning, and transgenic animals and plants. A final chapter discusses the ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering in general. An Introduction to Genetic Engineering is essential reading for undergraduate students of biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Contents

Preface to the second edition; 1. Introduction; Part I. The Basis of Genetic Engineering: 2. Introducing molecular biology; 3. Working with nucleic acids; 4. The tools of the trade; Part II. The Methodology of Gene Manipulation: 5. Host cells and vectors; 6. Cloning strategies; 7. The polymerase chain reaction; 8. Selection, screening, and analysis of recombinants; Part III. Genetic Engineering in Action: 9. Understanding genes and genomes; 10. Genetic engineering and biotechnology; 11. Medical and forensic applications of gene manipulation; 12. Transgenic plants and animals; 13. The other sort of cloning; 14. Brave new world or genetic nightmare?; Suggestions for further reading; Using the World Wide Web; Glossary; Index.