Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
The two Essential Molecular Biology books in the Practical Approach Series are designed for the absolute beginner at gene cloning whether they be at the start of their career or an experienced researcher in another field. As with the first editions, the objective of both volumes is to combine solid practical information with sufficient background material to ensure that the novice can understand how a technique works, what it achieves, and how to make modifications to suit personal requirements. Volume 1 concentrates on the procedures for DNA and RNA manipulation: purification, electrophoresis, and the construction and cloning of recombinant molecules. It also includes a general introduction to molecular biology in the laboratory and a survey of cloning vectors for Escherichia Coli.
The book contains black-and-white illustrations.
Synopsis
Practical information for working researchers in the life sciences interested in learning the basic principles of gene cloning and recombinant DNA techniques. The contributors provide the background material novices need to understand how a technique works, what it achieves, and how to make modifications to suit their own requirements, as well as advice on more advanced techniques. Vol. 2 describes procedures for isolating and studying individual genes, preparation and screening of libraries, polymerase chain reactions, DNA sequencing, and studying gene expression. The latest edition reflects the dramatic expansion in the range and sophistication of molecular biology techniques. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Dean Rosenthal, PhD(Georgetown University School of Medicine)
Description:This is a book for absolute beginners in the field of molecular biology.
Purpose:The book describes basic protocols in molecular biology, including culturing of host strains of bacteria and bacteriophage, purification of DNA and RNA, electrophoresis of nucleic acids, and the generation and isolation recombinant DNA.
Audience:There are numerous tidbits of information throughout the book for the novice and experienced molecular biologist alike, such as the usefulness of shrimp alkaline phosphatase, which is more heat labile than CIP, for cloning.
Features:One of the strengths of the manual is that many different protocols for the same procedure are supplied (e.g. RNA isolation). In addition, the book includes explanations of protocols that are the basis of commercially available molecular biology "kits", such as those sold for RNA isolation, and PCR cloning. While the editor discourages the over-reliance on these kits, mention is made of the level of difficulty of certain protocols that may require their use, including T/A cloning. Protocols are clearly boxed in gray, and all are relatively easy to understand. One minor flaw is its brevity, as well as the sometimes less-than-perfectly integrated nature of a protocol book with contributions by different authors. For example, in some chapters, the authors supply their own ingredients for their protocols; others refer to appendix; while sometimes there is no reference to either. For example, in chapter 2, protocol 1, it states to "Select the ingredients for the required agar medium", without reference to Appendix II in the back of the book. Also, each chapter restarts with protocol 1 again. It would therefore be helpful to at least have the chapter numbers at the header or footer of each page.
Assessment:These minor criticisms aside, this is a concise, practical reference manual for recombinant DNA techniques.
Editorials
Reviewer: Dean Rosenthal, PhD(Georgetown University School of Medicine)
Description: This is a book for absolute beginners in the field of molecular biology.
Purpose: The book describes basic protocols in molecular biology, including culturing of host strains of bacteria and bacteriophage, purification of DNA and RNA, electrophoresis of nucleic acids, and the generation and isolation recombinant DNA.
Audience: There are numerous tidbits of information throughout the book for the novice and experienced molecular biologist alike, such as the usefulness of shrimp alkaline phosphatase, which is more heat labile than CIP, for cloning.
Features: One of the strengths of the manual is that many different protocols for the same procedure are supplied (e.g. RNA isolation). In addition, the book includes explanations of protocols that are the basis of commercially available molecular biology "kits", such as those sold for RNA isolation, and PCR cloning. While the editor discourages the over-reliance on these kits, mention is made of the level of difficulty of certain protocols that may require their use, including T/A cloning. Protocols are clearly boxed in gray, and all are relatively easy to understand. One minor flaw is its brevity, as well as the sometimes less-than-perfectly integrated nature of a protocol book with contributions by different authors. For example, in some chapters, the authors supply their own ingredients for their protocols; others refer to appendix; while sometimes there is no reference to either. For example, in chapter 2, protocol 1, it states to "Select the ingredients for the required agar medium", without reference to Appendix II in the back of the book. Also, each chapter restarts with protocol 1 again. It would therefore be helpful to at least have the chapter numbers at the header or footer of each page.
Assessment: These minor criticisms aside, this is a concise, practical reference manual for recombinant DNA techniques.
A handbook for the absolute beginner at cloning genes, either because they are just entering molecular biology, or because they work in a related field of biology and their friend who used to do that for them just dropped dead of some mysterious disease. The first volume deals with the fundamental techniques needed to carry out DNA cloning experiments, emphasizing practical skills and enough background to adjust to circumstances as the research project progresses. The second volume builds on the first by describing procedures for preparing gene libraries and identifying genes. The second edition incorporates the expansion in the range and sophistication of molecular biology techniques since 1990. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Booknews
Presents a practical manual designed for beginners to gene cloning and recombinant DNA techniques. Practical information is combined with background material to allow readers to understand how techniques work and how to make modifications to suit personal requirements. Concentrates on procedures for DNA and RNA manipulation, including purification, electrophoresis, and the construction and cloning of recombinant molecules. Includes an introduction to molecular biology in the laboratory and a survey of cloning vectors for , recipes and general procedures, information on DNA and RNA modification enzymes, a list of restriction endonucleases, and a list of suppliers. Brown teaches biomolecular sciences at UMIST, UK. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)3 Stars from Doody