DNA Markers: Protocols, Applications, and Overviews

In the four decades since the discovery of DNA, molecular genetics and biotechnology have undergone a revolution in the research and application of genetic testing techniques. As a result, these fields have witnessed an explosion of both information and controversy, and the focus of public awareness of the significance of molecular biotechnology in everyday life has leaped from journal abstracts to front-page news. Molecular biotechnology provides important tools for the identification of specific nucleic acid sequences, some of them linked to important traits such as those conferring resistance to disease. Such DNA markers are used commonly in genetic research and in other applications, such as DNA fingerprinting. Researchers can use DNA markers to follow individual traits in different environments and hosts, increasing our understanding of the constitution, diversity, and evolution of genetic material.

DNA Markers: Protocols, Applications, and Overviews offers valuable new information on this rapidly growing field. This compendium of research highlights the most recently discovered DNA markers and their application to the analyses of genomes of low and high complexity, with a focus on recently developed DNA marker systems as tools for DNA fingerprinting, genome analysis, molecular systematics, taxonomy, and phylogenetic analysis. The Protocols section of the book contains detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to perform selected DNA marker experiments, providing a useful laboratory tool. Subjects covered by top specialists include:

Designed as a bench-top reference for the laboratory as well as a complete guide to the latest research, DNA Markers: Protocols, Applications, and Overviews is a vital resource for both novices and experienced practitioners involved in research in molecular genetics or biotechnology.

A global overview of DNA markers
* Molecular hybridization
* RAPD, AP-PCR, DAF and AFLP analysis
* Microbial Genomic fingerprinting
* Simple sequence repeat DNA markers
* Genetic BIT analysis
* Differential display of RNA
* The status of DNA fingerprinting: population databases
* Arbitrarily amplified DNA in ecology and evolution

The book contains predominantly black-and-white illustrations, with some color illustrations.

In the four decades since the discovery of DNA, molecular genetics and biotechnology have undergone a revolution in the research and application of genetic testing techniques. As a result, these fields have witnessed an explosion of both information and controversy, and the focus of public awareness of the significance of molecular biotechnology in everyday life has leaped from journal abstracts to front-page news. Molecular biotechnology provides important tools for the identification of specific nucleic acid sequences, some of them linked to important traits such as those conferring resistance to disease. Such DNA markers are used commonly in genetic research and in other applications, such as DNA fingerprinting. Researchers can use DNA markers to follow individual traits in different environments and hosts, increasing our understanding of the constitution, diversity, and evolution of genetic material.

DNA Markers: Protocols, Applications, and Overviews offers valuable new information on this rapidly growing field. This compendium of research highlights the most recently discovered DNA markers and their application to the analyses of genomes of low and high complexity, with a focus on recently developed DNA marker systems as tools for DNA fingerprinting, genome analysis, molecular systematics, taxonomy, and phylogenetic analysis. The Protocols section of the book contains detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to perform selected DNA marker experiments, providing a useful laboratory tool. Subjects covered by top specialists include:

Designed as a bench-top reference for the laboratory as well as a complete guide to the latest research, DNAMarkers: Protocols, Applications, and Overviews is a vital resource for both novices and experienced practitioners involved in research in molecular genetics or biotechnology.

A global overview of DNA markers
* Molecular hybridization
* RAPD, AP-PCR, DAF and AFLP analysis
* Microbial Genomic fingerprinting
* Simple sequence repeat DNA markers
* Genetic BIT analysis
* Differential display of RNA
* The status of DNA fingerprinting: population databases
* Arbitrarily amplified DNA in ecology and evolution

Michael Cummings

This book consists of three sections. The first is a single chapter that introduces DNA markers and their utility as research tools. The second consists of 14 chapters, each of which includes detailed experimental protocols for the use of DNA markers, such as microsatellites, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, and fingerprinting by PCR. The third section includes six chapters that give an overview of how DNA markers are being used in diverse areas, including taxonomy, genome research, ecology, and evolution. Although the emphasis in this section is on applications in plant research, it is clear that DNA markers can be used to solve a wide range of research problems. The purpose is to introduce experimental protocols for DNA markers. It is intended for the bench scientist wishing to learn how to use the powerful techniques of molecular biotechnology, but it will also be useful to those teaching advanced courses in biotechnology. Although a chapter on the basics of molecular hybridization is included, those who are familiar with the basic techniques of molecular biology, such as restriction digestion and gel electrophoresis, will have an easier time with these protocols. The book is well-organized and includes several useful features. The small format and spiral binding make it easy to use on the lab bench; the glossary is essential in decoding the endless acronyms and abbreviations in this field; and the appendix listing suppliers for equipment and reagents will save researchers time and energy. An index is also included. This is a useful, timely book which should help introduce workers in a variety of disciplines to the value of DNA markers and to the detailedprotocols needed to bring these techniques to the lab bench.

Caetano-Anolles, Gustavo (Univ of Tennessee); Gresshoff, Peter M. (Univ of Tennessee)

The contributors represent the specialties of pharmaceutical research, agronomy, plant genetics, biotechnology research, molecular genetics and cell biology, plant biology, and agricultural sciences. Most come from research institutes and universities in the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, the U.K., and Japan. Institutions prominently represented include R.W. Johnson Pharmaceuticals Research Institute, J.W. Goethe-Universitat, and Hopkins Bayview Research.