© 1990 • 477 pp., illus., bibliography, name index, glossary/index
(Published and /or distributed in conjunction with Carolina Biological Supply Company)
Paper • ISBN  0-89278-411-3

This new laboratory text combines the theory, practice, and applications of recombinant DNA technology into one articulated package. Unlike super texts that can only be sampled by even the most ambitious instructor or student, DNA Science is designed to be read from cover to cover. The eight text chapters are written in a semi-journalistic style and adopt a historical perspective to explain where DNA science has come from and where it is going. Combining the unique perspectives of both a research biologist and a science writer, the topical treatment integrates up-to-the-minute examples drawn directly from the research literature.

Extensively tested by thousands of high school and college teachers and students in 25 states and Canada, the ten laboratory experiments cover the basic techniques of gene isolation and analysis. The experiments engender systematic repetition to build student confidence and mastery of techniques. Extensive prelab notes at the beginning of each experiment explain how to schedule and prepare, and flowcharts and icons make the protocols easy to follow. The laboratory course is completely supported by quality-assured Carolina Biological Supply Company products-from bulk reagents, to reusable reagent systems, to single-use kits-satisfying a range of teaching applications.

Truly a first course in recombinant DNA technology, the laboratory sequence presupposes no prior experience on the part of the instructor or student. Structured to follow directly from an introduction to principles of biology, the experiments are equally appropriate for the advanced high school student and the beginning college student. The book can be used as the first course in a molecular biology sequence, be integrated as a genetics/DNA structure component of a general biology course, or be used as a unit within a microbiology or genetics course. The text is suitable for introducing recombinant DNA in science and society courses.

  "[DNA Science] has elements of a textbook, laboratory manual, historical novel, and popular magazine article, yet is remarkably cohesive."
      —Immunology Today

Text

Themes in the Development of DNA Science; Questions in the Development of DNA Science; Basic Tools and Techniques of DNA Science; Advanced Techniques of DNA Science; Gene Regulation in Development; Molecular Biology of Cancer; Applying DNA Science to Human Genetics; Applying DNA Science in Agriculture, Medicine, and Industry

Labs

Measurements, Micropipetting, and Sterile Techniques; Bacterial Culture Techniques; DNA Restriction Analysis; Effects of DNA Methylation on Restriction; Rapid Colony Transformation of E. coli with Plasmid DNA; Purification and Identification of Plasmid DNA; Recombination of Antibiotic Resistance Genes; Transformation of E. coli with Recombinant DNA; Replica Plating to Identify Mixed E. coli Populations; Purification and Identification of Recombinant DNA

Appendices

Equipment, Supplies, and Reagents; Recipes for Media, Reagents, and Stock Solutions; Restriction Map Data for pAMP, pKAN, and Bacteriophage Lambda