Understanding Biotechnology

Understanding Biotechnology
An Integrated and Cyber-Based Approach

 

Description
For introductory courses in Biotechnology; can also be used as a supplementary text for any Biotechnology course.
The only text on the market with comprehensive coverage of biotechnology at an introductory level, this timely book has an easy-to-read style that makes it suitable for those students with or without a background in biology. While emphasizing biotechnology's core principles and practices, its cyber-based approach allows a built-in mechanism for updating information in the rapidly evolving biotech field.
 

Contents
1. What Is Biotechnology?
I. BRIEF REVIEW OF THE UNDERLYING SCIENCE.
2. The Nature of Living Things: How They Are Organized.
3. The Nature of Living Things: How They Function.
4. The Nature of Living Things: Genetic Behavior.
5. Principles of Genetic Manipulation of Organisms: Conventional Approach.
6. Principles of Genetic Manipulation of Organisms: Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Technology.
II. ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES OF BIOTECHNOLOGY.
7. Cell and Tissue Culture.
8. Electrophoresis and Blotting.
9. Molecular Markers.
10. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA Synthesis.
11. Genome Mapping and DNA Sequencing.
12. Storage and Retrieval of Genetic Information.
III. APPROACHES OF BIOTECHNOLOGY.
13. Structural Genomics.
Genome Sequencing. Protein Structure Determination.14. Functional Genomics.
Bioinformatics. DNA Microarrays. Proteomics.15. Modifying Protein Production and Function.
Protein Engineering. Antisense Technology.
IV. SPECIFIC APPLICATION.
16. Food Biotechnology.
Plants. Animals and Microbes.17. Human Health and Diagnostics.
Applications in Medicine. Forensic Applications.18. Industrial Applications.
Bioprocessing. Microbial-Based Pharming. Biosensors. Recovering Metals.19. Environmental Applications.
V. SOCIAL ISSUES.
20. Rights and Privileges.
Intellectual Property. Ethical Implications.21. Risks and Regulations.
22. Biotechnology as a Business.
The Concept of a Biotechnology Company. The Role of Management. Recent Business Dynamics. Jobs in Biotechnology.23. Biotechnology and Developing Economies.
24. Perceptions and Fears About Biotechnology.
Contrasting Public and Scientific Perceptions. Bioterrorism.25. Biotechnology: The Future.
VI. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.
Selected Biotechnology Websites.
Glossary.
Index.