Principles of Gene Manipulation: An Introduction to Genetic Engineering

The basic philosophy governing the first edition of this text was to present the principles of gene manipulation, and their associated techniques, in sufficient detail to enable the non-specialist reader to understand them. It was also intended that the scope of this technology, and its potential impact on virtually all areas of biology, would be evident. The second and third editions were enlarged to cope with advances in the field as it had become apparent that, around a core of fundamental techniques concerning the manipulation of DNA in vitro, there was developing an ever-expanding repertoire of transformation techniques, library construction and screening methods, expression systems and host-vector systems. In this, the fourth edition, the authors keep to their basic philosophy in providing an introduction to the subject, identifying and explaining basic principles. Completely updated this edition provides an overview for researchers and students who already have some knowledge of recombinant DNA work.

Now in its sixth edition, Principles of Gene Manipulation provides an excellent introduction to the area of genetic engineering of plants, animals and microbes for advanced level undergraduates, with a basic understanding of genetics. This classic textbook has been substantially updated and revised to reflect the rapid advances that have been made in the core technologies in the seven years since the last edition. Furthermore, to put these technologies into context, the final chapter has been structured into six themes:
· nucleic acids as diagnostic tools
· new drugs and new therapies for genetic diseases
· combating infectious disease
· protein engineering
· metabolic engineering
· modern plant breeding
A website is now available to complement this text, at www.blackwellpublishing.com/primrose