Chromosome Microdissection and Cloning: A Practical Guide is a straightforward guide to chromosome microdissection and cloning. It presents an overview of the procedures and briefly reviews a few areas of research in which these techniques are applied. Topics range from preparation of chromosomes for microdissection to molecular cloning of microdissected chromosomal DNA. Methods of chromosome microdissection, including video microscope method and oil chamber method, are described. Comprised of five chapters, this book begins with an overview of the structure and organization of chromosomes, followed by a description of methods for preparing and preserving chromosomal DNA in a manner that is useful for cloning and direct analysis. Microdissection of metaphase chromosomes and isolation of fragments can be accomplished in one of the three ways described in the next chapter: by microdissection using an upright microscope and glass capillaries in an oil chamber; by laser microbeam; and with the use of an inverted microscope equipped with a video camera and high magnification-high resolution lenses. A step-by-step guide to these techniques and solutions for common problems are given following each method. Protocols for cloning and identifying genetic sequences from defined chromosome regions, particularly using the polymerase chain reaction, are also discussed. The final chapter focuses on applications of chromosome microdissection, such as cloning of disease-specific genes and generating "sequence tagged sites" to be used in large DNA sequencing projects. This monograph will be particularly helpful to investigators setting up microdissection systems de novo.

Defines the origin of ring extra structurally abnormal chromosomes (ESACs), relates the genetic content of different ring ESACs derived from the same chromosome with the patient's pheuotype, generates probes for diagnostic use and refines the critical region of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

Several developmental and historical threads are woven and displayed in these two volumes of Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes, the first on Library Construction, Physical Mapping, and Sequencing, and the second on Fu- tional Studies. The use of large-insert clone libraries is the unifying feature, with many diverse contributions. The editors have had quite distinct roles. Shaying Zhao has managed several BAC end-sequencing projects. Marvin Stodolsky during 1970–1980 contributed to the elucidation of the natural b- teriophage/prophage P1 vector system. Later, he became a member of the Genome Task Group of the Department of Energy (DOE), through which s- port flowed for most clone library resources of the Human Genome Program (HGP). Some important historical contributions are not represented in this volume. This preface in part serves to mention these contributions and also briefly surveys historical developments. Leon Rosner (deceased) contributed substantially in developing a PAC library for drosophila that utilized a PI virion-based encapsidation and tra- fection process. This library served prominently in the Drosophila Genome Project collaboration. PACs proved easy to purify so that they substantially replaced the YACs used earlier. Much of the early automation for massive clone picking and processing was developed at the collaborating Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. However, the P1 virion encapsidation system itself was too fastidious, and P1 virion-based methods did not gain popularity in other genome projects.

Presents information on cell structure, DNA, chromosomes, genetics and family traits, gene-related health and behavior, genetic technologies including cloning, and the future of genetic medicine, including stem cell research.

Current approaches to long-range physical mapping of the human genome; Analysis of genomic DNAs by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; The bacteriophage P1 cloning system; Construction, characterization and screening of YAC libraries; Cloning human telomeres in yeast artificial chromosomes; Structural instability of YAC clones and the use of recombination-deficient yeast host strains; The analysis of YAC clones; High-density gridded YAC filters: their potential as genome mapping tools; Transcribed sequences within YACs: HTF Island cloning and cDNA library screening; Yeast artificial chromosome modifying vectors: applications for the analysis of complex genomes; Reconstruction of megabase-size genomic regions using overlapping yeast artificial chromosomes; Generation of region-specific probes by microdissection and universal enzymatic DNA amplification.

Publisher's description: With DNA and gene cloning all over the news, readers need to understand the ongoing genetic revolution. In this highly acclaimed guide, Karl Drlica fully explains the basic science and technology readers need to understand the issues and make crucial decisions. Each step of the way he explains complex topics using easy-to-understand analogies.

"This volume covers a range of methods used in plant cytogenetics, beginning with basic analysis of chromosomes and visualizing gene locations, to manipulating and dissecting chromosomes, and then focusing on less understood features of chromosomes such as recombination initiation sites and epigenomic marks. The methods described in Plant Cytogenetics: Methods and Protocols build on each other and provide, those new to the field, with a comprehensive platform to support their research endeavours, while also introducing advanced techniques to experienced researchers. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting edge and thorough, Plant Cytogenetics: Methods and Protocols, is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the diverse and wonderfully complex field of cytogenetics."--OCLC.

The terms 'recombinant DNA technology', 'DNA cloning', 'molecular cloning' or 'gene cloning' all refer to the same process: the transfer of a DNA fragment of interest from one organism to a self-replicating genetic element such as a bacterial plasmid. The DNA of interest can then be propagated in a foreign host cell. This technology has been around since the 1970s, and it has become a common practice in molecular biology labs today. Reproductive cloning is a technology used to generate an animal that has the same nuclear DNA as another currently or previously existing animal. Dolly was created by reproductive cloning technology. In a process called 'somatic cell nuclear transfer' (SCNT), scientists transfer genetic material from the nucleus of a donor adult cell to an egg whose nucleus, and thus its genetic material, has been removed. The reconstructed egg containing the DNA from a donor cell must be treated with chemicals or electric current in order to stimulate cell division. Once the cloned embryo reaches a suitable stage, it is transferred to the uterus of a female host where it continues to develop until birth. Therapeutic cloning, also called "embryo cloning," is the production of human embryos for use in research. The goal of this process is not to create cloned human beings, but rather to harvest stem cells that can be used to study human development and to treat disease. Stem cells are important to biomedical researchers because they can be used to generate virtually any type of specialised cell in the human body. This new book presents an up-to-date Chronology of Cloning along with current and selected abstracts dealing with cloning as well as a guide to books on the topic. Access to the abstract and books sections is provided by title, subject and author indexes.

This reference book provides information on plant cytogenetics for students, instructors, and researchers. Topics covered by international experts include classical cytogenetics of plant genomes; plant chromosome structure; functional, molecular cytology; and genome dynamics. In addition, chapters are included on several methods in plant cytogenetics, informatics, and even laboratory exercises for aspiring or practiced instructors. The book provides a unique combination of historical and modern subject matter, revealing the central role of plant cytogenetics in plant genetics and genomics as currently practiced. This breadth of coverage, together with the inclusion of methods and instruction, is intended to convey a deep and useful appreciation for plant cytogenetics. We hope it will inform and inspire students, researchers, and teachers to continue to employ plant cytogenetics to address fundamental questions about the cytology of plant chromosomes and genomes for years to come. Hank W. Bass is a Professor in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University. James A. Birchler is a Professor in the Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri.