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.

"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.

This book's aim is to obtain and organize knowledge about the diversity of living things. Their epistomological and methodological fundamentals are explained in the framework of the biology of evolution. The methods of construction and use of phylogenetic trees are presented as well as the classification and description of taxa with the nomenclature rules.

Updated to reflect advances in the field, this introduction provides a broad, but concise, coverage of recombinant DNA techniques. Written for advanced undergraduates, graduates and scientists who want to use this technology, emphasis is placed on the concepts underlying particular types of cloning vectors to aid understanding and to enable readers to devise suitable strategies for novel experimental situations. An introduction to the basic biochemical principles is presented first. Then PCR and cloning using E. coli hosts and plasmid, phage and hybrid vectors are described, followed by the generation and screening of libraries and how to modify, inactivate or express cloned sequences. Finally genetic manipulation in a range of other organisms is discussed, including other bacteria, fungi, algae and plants, insects and mammals. A series of 'real-life' biological problems are also presented to enable readers to assess their understanding of the material and to prepare for exams.

The past two decades have brought with them remarkable progress in plant chromosomal research. The chromosome structure has been clarified in great detail, enabling identification of gene sequences at the microscopic level, which has aided the analysis of biodiversity. Knowledge of chromosome structure has played a crucial role in the improvement of crop species and has far-reaching implications. The manipulation and engineering of chromosomes involves a panoply of novel methods, combining conventional and modern techniques of biotechnology. A working knowledge of such techniques is essential for today's students and researchers, and the plant system, because of totipotency, requires special treatment. This treatise covers all the latest methods involved in the study of evolution, biodiversity, chromosome manipulation and engineering.

This book is a unique source of information on the present state of the exciting field of molecular cytogenetics and how it can be applied in research and diagnostics. The basic techniques of fluorescence in situ hybridization and primed in situ hybridization (PRINS) are outlined, the multiple approaches and probe sets that are now available for these techniques are described, and applications of them are presented in 36 chapters by authors from ten different countries around the world. The book not only provides the reader with basic and background knowledge on the topic, but also gives detailed protocols that show how molecular cytogenetics is currently performed by specialists in this field. The FISH Application Guide initially provides an overview of the (historical) development of molecular cytogenetics, its basic procedures, the equipment required, and probe generation. The book then describes tips and tricks for making different tissues available for molecular cytogenetic studies. These are followed by chapters on various multicolor FISH probe sets, their availability, and their pot- tial for use in combination with other approaches. The possible applications that are shown encompass the characterization of marker chromosomes, cryptic cytogenetic aberrations and epigenetic changes in humans by interphase and metaphase cyto- netics, studies of nuclear architecture, as well as the application of molecular cytogenetics to zoology, botany and microbiology.