1Bimal D. Theophilus and Ralph Rapley provide biological and clinical investigators with a comprehensive collection of new, recent, and updated PCR-based screening methods suitable for detecting the presence of both known and novel mutations. The methods cover point mutations (e.g., ASO-PCR, SSCP, DGGE, chemical cleavage), deletions (multiplex PCR, FISH, blotting), non-sense mutations (PTT), and more. The new and exciting techniques of DNA array analysis, along with such recently developed experimental methods as conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis, are also included. Each chapter explains the basic theory behind the technique and provides valuable notes essential for its successful execution.

Engineering Multicellular Systems: Methods and Protocols, focuses on laboratory procedures used in recent efforts for constructing synthetic multicellular systems and their applications. In particular, constructing multicellular systems to form various microbial ecosystems has been extensively explored to examine evolution and interactions of microbial ecosystems, while co-cultures have emerged as an efficient tool to produce some complex chemical molecules. 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Engineering Multicellular Systems: Methods and Protocols provide a comprehensive laboratory protocol reference for constructing multicellular systems for various applications.

The analysis of DNA sequence polymorphisms and mutations is of central importance in understanding biological systems. This book is devoted to the experimental analysis of DNA and presents easy-to-follow protocols. Various techniques from the simple to the highly complex are detailed in this volume, providing a wide spectrum of available methods and practical advice. The methods are described in terms of: History and background Principles and theory Equipment and reagents Protocols Troubleshooting Applications Improvements Results Comparisons with other methods Future prospects and developments This is an essential manual for researchers working in human, animal, or plant molecular genetics and is particularly valuable for hospital and commercial laboratories.

This book is open access under a CC BY-NC 2.5 license. This book offers 19 detailed protocols on the use of induced mutations in crop breeding and functional genomics studies, which cover topics including chemical and physical mutagenesis, phenotypic screening methods, traditional TILLING and TILLING by sequencing, doubled haploidy, targeted genome editing, and low-cost methods for the molecular characterization of mutant plants that are suitable for laboratories in developing countries. The collection of protocols equips users with the techniques they need in order to start a program on mutation breeding or functional genomics using both forward and reverse-genetic approaches. Methods are provided for seed and vegetatively propagated crops (e.g. banana, barley, cassava, jatropha, rice) and can be adapted for use in other species.

Volume 1 of the Prevention Book presents the principles of a programme for the prevention of the thalassaemia and other haemoglobin disorders, including a description of the various types of disorders requiring prenatal diagnosis, the strategies used for carrier screening, and a number of annexes listing upto date epidemiological and mutation data on thalassaemia. This book was written for use in combination with Volume 2, which describes many of the laboratory protocols in great detail.

Mutation detection is increasingly undertaken in a wide spectrum of research areas: in medicine it is fundamental in isolating disease genes and diagnbosis, and is especially important in cancer research; in biology, commercially important genes can be identified by the mutations they contain. But mutation detection is time-consuming and expensive. This volume offers the latest tried and tested protocols for a range of detection methods, from the labs of the leading researchers in the field.

Mutagenicity: Assays and Applications presents an extensive examination of the detection, assessment and future of mutagenicity, particularly as it concerns human health and the environment. Chapters focused on specific types of mutagens or testing methods for their detection collectively explore the current state of human and environmental mutagenesis, future perspectives and regulatory needs. The test procedures for measuring mutagenicity, their advantages and limitations are described with practical and procedural detail, along with their presentation and data processing aspects. It is an essential reference covering the breadth and depth of the field of mutagenicity studies and regulation. By providing both important introductory material and practical assays and applications, this book is useful to graduate students, academic and industry researchers and regulators at various stages of their careers, leading to improved risk assessment and regulation. - Presents an up-to-date and in-depth review of the current state of mutagenesis research - Draws upon the combined experience and expertise of an international group of highly respected editors and chapter authors - Provides an introduction to the concept of mutagenesis with particular consideration given to novel chemicals and materials

Accompanying CD-ROM contains ... "a companion eBook version of Molecular diagnostics : for the clinical laboratorian, Second edition ... for downloading and use in the reader's PC or PDA."--Page 4 of cover.

This book assesses the scientific value and merit of research on human genetic differencesâ€"including a collection of DNA samples that represents the whole of human genetic diversityâ€"and the ethical, organizational, and policy issues surrounding such research. Evaluating Human Genetic Diversity discusses the potential uses of such collection, such as providing insight into human evolution and origins and serving as a springboard for important medical research. It also addresses issues of confidentiality and individual privacy for participants in genetic diversity research studies.

Random mutagenesis and gene knockout experiments are standard techniques to investigate the effects of specific genetic factors. In recent years, improved methods for mutation analysis have greatly simplified the study of natural mutations and sequence variants to learn more about the function of our genetic makeup, and to predict and finely diagnose disease. Accordingly, mutation analysis is assuming a rapidly increasing importance in academic, clinical, and industrial research. This collection of protocols for mutation detection techniques arose as a set of formulas shared among participants at a HUGO-sponsored workshop held in Visby in 1995, where an impressive list of originators and major users of mutation detection methods gathered to exchange experiences. The techniques included span a wide range of areas; some are currently in use, while others illustrate principles that may be of importance in future test formats.