The Nucleic Acid Protocols Handbook

There can be no doubt that some ofthe most spectacular advances made in science over the past few decades have been in the isolation, analysis, and manipulation of nucleicacids. Thishas ledtoamuchgreaterunderstandingofmechanismsandprocesses across many fields of bioscience, such as biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, and the medical sciences to name a few. It has also led to the growth of the biotechnology industry, which seeks to develop and commercialize many ofthese important processes and methods. Much ofthis has come about because ofthe devel- opment of numerous molecular biology and genetic manipulation techniques. The discovery of restriction enzymes and the development of cloning vectors in the early 1970sopenedthedoortowaysofisolatingandmanipulatingnucleic acidsthathadnever been thought possible. Gene probe labeling and hybridization were developed and refined toprovidepowerfulmethodsofanalysis. These-togetherwiththedevelopment of DNA sequencing methods, protein engineering techniques, and PeR-have all continued to contribute substantially to the understandingofbiological processes at the molecular level. Theprotocols for these importantmethods are the focus ofThe Nucleic AcidProtocols Handbook, whose aim is to provide a comprehensive set oftechniques in onevolume thatwill enable the isolation, analysis, and manipulationofnucleic acids to be readily undertaken. The NucleicAcidProtocols Handbook is divided into 10 parts; within each there are approximately 10chapters. The first fourpartsfollow oneanotherlogically: nucleic acid extraction (Part I), basic separation and analysisofDNA (II), through probe design and labeling (III), and RNA analysis techniques (IV). The following three sections deal with gene libraryconstruction andscreening(V), DNA sequencing (VI), andthe polymerase chain reaction (VII).

The Nucleic Acid Protocols Handbook is today's most comprehensive up-to-date treasury of all the key molecular biology methods-ranging from DNA extraction to gene localization in situ-needed to function effectively in the modern laboratory. Each of the 120 highly successful techniques follows the format of the much acclaimed Methods in Molecular Biology™ series, providing an introduction to the scientific basis of each technique, a complete listing of all the materials and reagents needed, and clear step-by-step instructions to permit error-free execution. Included for each technique are notes about pitfalls to avoid, troubleshooting tips, alternate methods, and explanations of the reasons for certain steps-all key elements contributing significantly to success in the lab. The authord are well-experienced masters of the techniques described, often having perfected and optimized them in their own laboratories. In The Nucleic Acid Protocols Handbook, Ralph Rapley has brought together thewidest-ranging, one-volume collection of classic and cutting-edge techniques for the successful isolation, analysis, and manipulation of nucleic acids. Eminently practical and reproducible, these proven methods will help both experienced researchers and those entering the field attain the laboratory mastery needed-not only to deepen understanding of biological processes at the molecular level, but also to begin realizing the biotechnological bounty so clearly in prospect.