This textbook covers both the scientific principles and industrial applications of recombinant DNA technology. Molecular biotechnology is a relatively new discipline that uses recombinant DNA technology for the development of commercial products. The book explains the principles of recombinant DNA technology as well as other important ancillary techniques such as DNA sequencing, the polymerase chain reaction and the production of monoclonal antibodies. It describes the experimental approaches for each area of molecular biotechnology and provides an understanding of what the studies entail, how they are being carried out, why they are important and, where important, the social aspects of molecular biotechnology.
Completely revised and updated, the second edition of this very popular textbook covers both the underlying scientific principles and the wide–ranging industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications of recombinant DNA technology.
The new edition includes expanded coverage of the types of organisms and cells used in molecular biotechnology; DNA, RNA and protein synthesis; the methodology and applications of genetic engineering of plants; microbial production of therapeutic agents; and human molecular genetics and gene therapy. Updated chapters reflect the most recent developments in biotechnology and the issues surrounding it – such as cloning, gene therapy, and the patenting and release of genetically modified organisms.