The past two decades have witnessed a truly phenomenal growth and expansion in our knowledge of the principles and mechanisms of in heritance. :\iolecular and microbial genetics, for all purposes non-existent at the outset of this period, have developed and flourished to the extent of becoming major branches of genetics from which the most exciting and edifying concepts of gene function and structure have been derived. Similarly, man, heretofore a genetic curiosity, has become in his own right a genetic organism of first rank importance. It is, therefore, not without reason that accompanying the rapid proliferation of genetic knowledge, a parallel increase has occurred in the technical nomen clature and terminology special to the field of genetics and often special to specific branches of genetics. In preparing this glossary of ca. 2500 entries, we have attempted to compile and collate the terminology from seemingly unrelated, widely separated branches of genetics - classical and molecular; microbial and human; cytogenetics and population genetics. We have not been content merely to collect terms and definitions much as is found in a dictionary. Rather our aim has been to provide material suitable and usable both for students and research workers. Accordingly, depending upon our evaluation, some terms have simply been defined, others have been described at some length even to the extent of providing experi mental data.

Morrison (human genetics, University of Ulster, UK) and Spence (biomedical science, University of Ulster, UK) offer an accessible reference on the genetic disorders that surgeons can expect to meet in general surgical practice. Written in non-technical language, with a glossary, list of abbreviations, and color and b&w photos and medical images, the book supplies an introduction to the nomenclature and technology of molecular biology, and will be a useful starting point for those who wish to extend their knowledge. Annotation :2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

The 5th edition of this successful Glossary has been completely revised, updated and supplemented by up-to-date terms used in genetic engineering and molecular genetics. Where necessary a short essay explaining an entry in more detail is added to the stated definition. Wherever possible, the author of an entry is mentioned and the respective publication cited. Cross references ease the orientation within the glossary. "This excellent textbook should serve seasoned scientists as a feast for the mind and as a valuable work for graduate students. It is a true bargain..."(Quarterly Review of Biology) "By the very fact that this Glossary is now in its fifth edition, one can be assured of its usefulness... Highly recommended." (Australasian)

In preparing the new completely revised edition of this glossary, which in the meantime has been translated into Russian and Polish, we have attempt ed to include the most important new terms and to revise the text in those cases where new data demanded it*. As a result about fifty percent of the text is completely rewritten. Once more we have tried to provide material suitable and usable both for students and research workers. Accordingly, depending upon our evaluation, some terms have been simply defined, others have been described at some length even to the extent of providing experi mental data. Wherever possible, synonymy and redundancy have been pointed out, and in the interest of historical accuracy the individual respon sible for introducing a particular term or concept listed with the specific paper included in the literature citations. Cross references between related terms are designated by an arrow (---*) before each relevant term. To keep the book, as far as possible, to a reasonable size the terms carried over from the earlier edition have once more been critically selected and, where necessary, revised. In spite of these efforts a certain increase in volume was unavoidable. We hope that the new edition will once more prove useful to a wide audience and enjoy the same cordial reception as the earlier ones. Comments and suggestions from the reviewers and users of the earlier editions have contribut ed signifiClllltly to the revision.

This new third edition updates a best-selling encyclopedia. It includes about 56% more words than the 1,392-page second edition of 2003. The number of illustrations increased to almost 2,000 and their quality has improved by design and four colors. It includes approximately 1,800 current databases and web servers. This encyclopedia covers the basics and the latest in genomics, proteomics, genetic engineering, small RNAs, transcription factories, chromosome territories, stem cells, genetic networks, epigenetics, prions, hereditary diseases, and patents. Similar integrated information is not available in textbooks or on the Internet.

An up-to-date list of terms currently in use in biotechnology, genetic engineering and allied fields. The terms in the glossary have been selected from books, dictionaries, journals and abstracts. Terms are included that are important for FAO's intergovernmental activities, especially in the areas of plant and animal genetic resources, food quality and plant protection.