© 2007 • 474 pp., illus., index
Paperback • $117 • ISBN  978-071672866-5

The third edition of the landmark text Recombinant DNA offers an authoritative, accessible, and engaging introduction to modern, genome–centered biology from its foremost practitioners. The new edition explores core concepts in molecular biology in a contemporary inquiry–based context, building its coverage around the most relevant and exciting examples of current research and landmark experiments that redefined our understanding of DNA. As a result, students learn in a compelling way how working scientists make real high–impact discoveries.

The first chapters provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts of genetics and genomics, an inside look at the Human Genome Project, bioinformatic and experimental techniques for large–scale genomic studies, and a survey of epigenetics and RNA interference. The final chapters cover the quest to identify disease–causing genes, the genetic basis of cancer, and DNA fingerprinting and forensics. In these chapters the authors provide examples of practical applications in human medicine, and discuss the future of human genetics and genomics projects.

Photos from the recent Recombinant DNA book signing
Photo 1	Photo 2	Photo 3

  “This book will serve as an excellent source in college-level classrooms where professors and students will enjoy the straightforward approach taken by the authors to describe the basics of molecular biology. The volume is also recommended for anyone else with an interest in genes, genomes, and their applications in biotechnology, who will find the book’s focused approach on the facts, experiments, and procedural outcomes very simple to follow and understand...

The authors have done a remarkable job of presenting enough information so that readers will understand a particular concept, technique, or tool without tedious discussions that may draw them away from the main points.  With such a focused and highly illustrative text, readers will find this first section and the remainder of the book (which highlights specific issues in whole-genome analyses and human genomics) to be not only educational and informative, but also a pleasure to read.”
      —The Quarterly Review of Biology

FOUNDATIONS OF DNA

Overview

1. DNA Is the Primary Genetic Material

2. Information Flow from DNA to Protein

3. Control of Gene Expression

4. Basic Tools of Recombinant DNA

5. Fundamental Features of Eukaryotic Genes

6. A New Toolbox for Recombinant DNA

7. Mobile DNA Sequences in the Genome

8. Epigenetic Modifications of the Genome

9. RNAi Regulates Gene Action

FOUNDATIONS OF GENOMICS

Overview

10. Fundamentals of Whole-Genome Sequencing

11. How the Human Genome Was Sequenced

ANALYZING GENOMES

Overview

12. Comparing and Analyzing Genomes

13. From Genome Sequence to Gene Function

HUMAN GENOMICS

Overview

14. Finding Human Disease Genes

15. Understanding the Genetic Basis of Cancer

16. DNA Fingerprinting and Forensics

Figure Credits

Index