Ninfa/Ballou/Benore is a solid biochemistry lab manual, dedicated to developing research skills in students, allowing them to learn techniques and develop the organizational approaches necessary to conduct laboratory research. Ninfa/Ballou/Benore focuses on basic biochemistry laboratory techniques with a few molecular biology exercises, a reflection of most courses which concentrate on traditional biochemistry experiments and techniques. The manual also includes an introduction to ethics in the laboratory, uncommon in similar manuals. Most importantly, perhaps, is the authors' three-pronged approach to encouraging students to think like a research scientist: first, the authors introduce the scientific method and the hypothesis as a framework for developing conclusive experiments; second, the manual's experiments are designed to become increasingly complex in order to teach more advanced techniques and analysis; finally, gradually, the students are required to devise their own protocols. In this way, students and instructors are able to break away from a "cookbook" approach and to think and investigate for themselves. Suitable for lower-level and upper-level courses; Ninfa spans these courses and can also be used for some first-year graduate work.

Analytical Molecular Biology illustrates the importance of simple analytical methods applied to some basic molecular biology problems, with an emphasis on the importance of biological problems, rather than the complexity of mathematics. First, the book examines crucial experimental data for a specific problem. Mathematical models will then be constructed with explicit inclusion of biological facts. From such models, predictions can be deduced and then suggest further experimental studies. A few important molecular biology problems will be discussed in the order of the complexity of the mathematical models. Based on such illustrations, the readers can then develop their own analytical methods to study their own problems. This book is for anyone who knows they need to learn how to apply mathematical models to biology, but doesn't necessarily want to, from practicing researchers looking to acquire more analytical tools to advanced students seeking a clear, explanatory text.

This volume is written with the objective of covering the basic issues in biological nitrogen fixation such as: the physiology, biochemistry and molecular genetics of nitrogen fixation; and the role of signal molecules and host gene expression in nodulation and nitrogen fixation. The book also details recent developments in biofertilizer technology, such as: the immobilization of cyanobacteria; endophytic nitrogen fixation; and solubilization and mobilization of nutrients by phosphobacteria and VA mycorrhiza and their role as bioinoculants.

Written by recognized experts the field, this leading-edge resource is the first book to systematically introduce the concept, technology, and development of cell-based biosensors. You find details on the latest cell-based biosensor models and novel micro-structure biosensor techniques. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this unique volume presents the latest innovative applications of cell-based biosensors in a variety of biomedical fields. The book also explores future trends of cell-based biosensors, including integrated chips, nanotechnology and microfluidics. Over 140 illustrations help clarify key topics throughout the book.

Advanced Methods in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: A Practical Lab Manual is a concise reference on common protocols and techniques for advanced molecular biology and biotechnology experimentation. Each chapter focuses on a different method, providing an overview before delving deeper into the procedure in a step-by-step approach. Techniques covered include genomic DNA extraction using cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and chloroform extraction, chromatographic techniques, ELISA, hybridization, gel electrophoresis, dot blot analysis and methods for studying polymerase chain reactions. Laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures for key equipment are also discussed, providing an instructive overview for lab work. This practical guide focuses on the latest advances and innovations in methods for molecular biology and biotechnology investigation, helping researchers and practitioners enhance and advance their own methodologies and take their work to the next level. - Explores a wide range of advanced methods that can be applied by researchers in molecular biology and biotechnology - Features clear, step-by-step instruction for applying the techniques covered - Offers an introduction to laboratory protocols and recommendations for best practice when conducting experimental work, including standard operating procedures for key equipment

The plant cell wall plays a vital role in almost every aspect of plant physiology. New techniques in spectroscopy, biophysics and molecular biology have revealed the extraordinary complexity of its molecular architecture and just how important this structure is in the control of plant growth and development. The Second Edition of this accessible and integrated textbook has been revised and updated throughout. As well as focusing on the structure and function of plant cell walls the book also looks at the applications of this research. It discusses how plant cell walls can be exploited by the biotechnology industry and some of the main challenges for future research. Key topics include: architecture and skeletal functions of the wall; cell-wall formation; control of cell growth; role in intracellular transport; interactions with other organisms; cell-wall degradation; biotechnological applications of cell-walls; role in diet and health. This textbook provides a clear, well illustrated introduction to the physiology and biochemistry of plant cell walls which will be invaluable to upper level undergraduate and post graduate students of plant physiology, plant pathology, plant biotechnology and biochemistry.

Analytical methods are the essential enabling tools of the modern biosciences. This book presents a comprehensive introduction into these analytical methods, including their physical and chemical backgrounds, as well as a discussion of the strengths and weakness of each method. It covers all major techniques for the determination and experimental analysis of biological macromolecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. The presentation includes frequent cross-references in order to highlight the many connections between different techniques. The book provides a bird's eye view of the entire subject and enables the reader to select the most appropriate method for any given bioanalytical challenge. This makes the book a handy resource for students and researchers in setting up and evaluating experimental research. The depth of the analysis and the comprehensive nature of the coverage mean that there is also a great deal of new material, even for experienced experimentalists. The following techniques are covered in detail: - Purification and determination of proteins - Measuring enzymatic activity - Microcalorimetry - Immunoassays, affinity chromatography and other immunological methods - Cross-linking, cleavage, and chemical modification of proteins - Light microscopy, electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy - Chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques - Protein sequence and composition analysis - Mass spectrometry methods - Measuring protein-protein interactions - Biosensors - NMR and EPR of biomolecules - Electron microscopy and X-ray structure analysis - Carbohydrate and lipid analysis - Analysis of posttranslational modifications - Isolation and determination of nucleic acids - DNA hybridization techniques - Polymerase chain reaction techniques - Protein sequence and composition analysis - DNA sequence and epigenetic modification analysis - Analysis of protein-nucleic acid interactions - Analysis of sequence data - Proteomics, metabolomics, peptidomics and toponomics - Chemical biology