Books in Practical Approach Series series

This unique book integrates knowledge from a wide range of expertise, specifically applied to the mouse and addressed at a wide audience from those new to the field to experts who want an update on the state of the art. Mouse Genetics and Transgenics: A Practical Approach covers all aspects of using the mouse as a genetic model organism: care and husbandry; archiving stocks as frozen embryos or sperm; making new mutations by chemical mutagenesis; transgenesis; gene targeting; mapping mutations and polygenic traits by cytogenetic, genetic, and physical means; and disseminating and researching information via the Internet.

The development of mammalian cell biotechnology has led to an extensive range of commercially valuable prophylactic, diagnostic, and therapeutic compounds which can now be produced routinely by cell culture. This book details the principles and practical techniques upon which this technological development is based. The ten chapters are designed to cover the basic principles and techniques which can be applied to maximize the productivity of cell culture. Media optimization and the use of serum substitutes or growth factors are explained. Methods of genetic manipulation of cells are explored as well as well as the techniques for maximizing specific protein expression. The design and control of animal fermentation processes and the means of extraction of desired products by downstream processing are explained, as are the strategies for applying these techniques to the production of specific compounds with commercial value. The detailed principles and techniques described in the book should advance the understanding and realization of high productivity from mammalian cell culture.

Here is a complete guide to the wide variety of uses of radioisotopes in biological investigations. A useful alternative to multiple sources, the book provides an informative introduction to the theory behind this growing technology, as well as practical advice on isotope and equipment choice, radiation protection, and safety measures. Procedural advice on in vivo and in vitro labelling, autoradiography, and immunoassay, will be applicable in several types of investigations, and practitioners will find the convenient summaries of U.S. and U.K. legislation governing these materials to be a particularly useful timesaver.

Electrophysiological techniques are vital to modern biology in general and are of particular significance in neuroscience. This volume provides a practical introduction to the methods used for studying single cells and complex neural tissues. Detailed advice is given not only for handling and culturing neural tissues and cells, but also for the mathematical approaches to modeling neuronal behavior and analysing the quantal release of neurotransmitters. An important sourcebook of protocols, helpful hints, and expert advice, it will prove invaluable to researchers in neuroscience, physiology, cell biology, and related areas.

Protein blotting techniques have become common laboratory procedures in the past few years. This text is written by scientists with expertise in these techniques. The versatility of the methods utilizing these procedures have brought about the development of different solid support matrices, as well as a wide variety of protein detection methods. While the most commonly used method in protein blotting is the use of antibodies to detect protein antigens, this technology has been expanded to examine a number of different interactions between proteins as well as other molecules such as carbohydrates and DNA. These methods have further been adapted for amino acid sequencing and purification of proteins for use as immunogens. This book outlines, in detail, numerous protocols and procedures which should help investigators design methods which will be optimal for their specific use.

A dramatic increase in the number of practical techniques available to the experimental neuroanatomist over the past decade has led to major advances in the knowledge and understanding of the nervous system. This book is an essential laboratory manual for experimental neuroscientists, with an emphasis on ultrastructural analysis. It contains detailed protocols for the preparation of specimens, perfusion-fixation, and the preparation of sections for light and electron microscopy. It covers up-to-date neuroanatomical techniques including procedures for tract-tracing and chemical characterization of neurons and their processes. These procedures, either alone or in combination, are being widely used to elucidate complex neuronal interactions. Experimental Neuroanatomy" A Practical Approach is an invaluable text for neuroanatomists and other neuroscientists who wish to apply these fascinating techniques.

Methodologies used to analyse the genomes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes are advancing very rapidly as it has been realized that there is a resolution gap between what can be viewed under the microscope and what molecular techniques can resolve. This book presents current, successful strategies for construction of physical maps to identify and analyse the arrangement and function of genes. These techniques, which are applicable to a range of organisms, are being used to move from linked markers to candidate genes in several human monogenic disorders. They are presented in a way that should enable any research or diagnostic laboratory to apply them to their particular systems. Also included are descriptions of new probes and approaches for the localization of human disorders whose analysis has so far eluded the molecular geneticist.

Plant cell biologists seek to characterize the principles underlying complex phenomena such as growth and differentiation and to define the ways in which plant cells respond to external and internal stimuli. This book discusses established techniques and presents some exciting advances that will have a major impact on the field in the future. The book begins with a detailed discussion of methods and protocols for viewing, staining, and localizing cell components. Subsequent chapters cover topics such as localizing specific nucleic acid sequences and proteins, protoplast research, wall analysis, plant cytoskeleton research, isolation and use of intact chloroplasts and thylakoids, and the measurement of ions and solutes within plant cells. Plant Cell Biology: A Practical Approach provides both newcomers and experienced researchers with a comprehensive practical guide to the subject.

Protein blotting techniques have become common laboratory procedures in the past few years. This text is written by scientists with expertise in these techniques. The versatility of the methods utilizing these procedures have brought about the development of different solid support matrices, as well as a wide variety of protein detection methods. While the most commonly used method in protein blotting is the use of antibodies to detect protein antigens, this technology has been expanded to examine a number of different interactions between proteins and other proteins, as well as other molecules such as carbohydrates and DNA. These methods have further been adapted for amino acid sequencing and purification of proteins for use as immunogens. This book outlines, in detail, numerous protocols and procedures which should help investigators design methods which will be optimal for their specific use.

The two volumes of "Essential Molecular Biology: A Practical Approach" provide clear theoretical and practical guidance to the fundamental techniques of recombinant DNA analysis. Although of particular value to research workers entering the field for the first time, the protocols described will also be of interest to experienced researchers. Volume 1 concentrates on the preparation, purification and handling of nucleic acids, and includes chapters on microbiological procedures and the construction and use of recombinant DNA molecules. Each chapter is written in an accessible style by an acknowledged expert in that field with the emphasis on providing sound technical instruction, in combination with the necessary theoretical background and useful troubleshooting guidance. This book thus brings powerful techniques at the forefront of molecular biology research within reach of any researcher. Together, the two volumes provide a comprehensive molecular biology manual tailored specially for the novice.

Here is a complete guide to the wide variety of uses of radioisotopes in biological investigations. A useful alternative to multiple sources, the book provides an informative introduction to the theory behind this growing technology, as well as practical advice on isotope and equipment choice, radiation protection, and safety measures. Procedural advice on in vivo and in vitro labelling, autoradiography, and immunoassay, will be applicable in several types of investigations, and practitioners will find the convenient summaries of U.S. and U.K. legislation governing these materials to be a particularly useful timesaver.