An Introduction to Genetic Engineering

by Desmond S. T. Nicholl

Overview

The fourth edition of this popular textbook retains its focus on the fundamental principles of gene manipulation, providing an accessible and broad-based introduction to the subject for beginning undergraduate students. It has been brought thoroughly up to date with new chapters on the story of DNA and genome editing, and new sections on bioethics, significant developments in sequencing technology and structural, functional and comparative genomics and proteomics, and the impact of transgenic plants. In addition to chapter summaries, learning objectives, concept maps, glossary and key word lists the book now also features new concluding sections, further reading lists and web-search activities for each chapter to provide a comprehensive suite of learning resources to help students develop a flexible and critical approach to the study of genetic engineering.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009180603
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/02/2023
Edition description:	4th Revised ed.
Pages:	466
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.69(h) x 0.87(d)

About the Author

Desmond S. T. Nicholl was Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences, Head of Bioscience, Head of Quality Enhancement and Assistant Dean for Education at the University of the West of Scotland. As well as three previous editions of An Introduction to Genetic Engineering, he also authored Cell and Molecular Biology (Learning & Teaching Scotland, 2000).

Table of Contents

Preface; Part I. Genetic Engineering in Context: 1. Introduction; 2. The story of DNA; 3. Brave new world or genetic nightmare?; Part II. The Basis of Genetic Engineering: 4. Introducing molecular biology; 5. The tools of the trade; 6. Working with nucleic acids; Part III. The Methodology of Gene Manipulation: 7. Host cells and vectors; 8. Cloning strategies; 9. The polymerase chain reaction; 10. Selection, screening and analysis of recombinants; 11. Bioinformatics; 12. Genome editing; Part IV. Genetic Engineering in Action: 13. Investigating genes, genomes and 'otheromes'; 14. Genetic engineering and biotechnology; 15. Medical and forensic applications of gene manipulation; 16. Transgenic plants and animals; 17. The other sort of cloning; Glossary; Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘Genetic engineering represents a toolbox that all students within the basic and applied biology fields must get acquainted with. The fourth edition of An Introduction to Genetic Engineering is an excellent up-to-date version of a classic textbook. This ambitious book excellently balances the molecular biology knowledge required to grasp the comprehensive gene technology toolbox with a discussion of its impact on society.’ Per Amstrup Pedersen, University of Copenhagen

‘As a biomedical engineering professor teaching an undergraduate Genetic Engineering course for close to 10 years, I use Dr Nicholl’s An Introduction to Genetic Engineering as my go-to textbook. It is not one of those overly thick textbooks that overwhelm students. Its comprehensiveness captures readers’ attention with succinct fundamental concepts that truly promote one’s interest in exploring the wonder of many genetic engineering techniques and applications. To facilitate that further, the material provided at the end of each chapter encourages readers to expand their learning with relevant resources … Many of my students become so interested that they pursue graduate degrees and have a career in this field. Dr Nicholl’s textbook has a long-term influence on its readers.’ M. Ete Chan, State University of New York at Stony Brook

‘Dr Nicholl’s book covers all the basic material that one would expect from its title, but what particularly impressed me was how it isn’t afraid to move into political and socio-economic arenas. In Chapter 16, for example, balanced arguments are presented for and against the development of transgenic organisms, and these don’t always come out in favour of the science.’ Neil Crickmore, University of Sussex

From the Publisher