This volume explores the various facets of planaria as a biomedical model system and discusses techniques used to study the fascinating biology of these animals. The chapters in this book are divided into two parts: Part One looks at the biodiversity of planarian species, the molecular orchestration of regeneration, ecology of planarians in their natural habitats and their history as lab models. Part Two talks about experimental protocols for studying planarians, ranging from the establishment of a planarian research colony, to RNA and DNA extraction techniques, all the way to single stem cell transplantations or metabolomics analysis. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Planarian Regeneration: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for both newcomers to the field and experts within established planarian laboratories.

With the explosion of knowledge from molecular biology and the burgeoning interest in generating or regenerating tissues or organs through various bioengineering or stem cell approaches, many scientists and students have shown a renewed interest in the phenomenon of regeneration. Because relatively few have had the luxury of being able to approach the phenomenon of regeneration from a broad biological perspective, Dr. Carlson has produced a book that outlines the fundamental principles of regeneration biology. Subject matters focus principally on regeneration in vertebrate systems, but also invertebrate regeneration. In order to manipulate regenerative processes, it is important to understand the underlying principles of regeneration. Principles of Regnerative Biology is the key introductory reference for all developmental biologists, geneticists, and tissue and stem cell researchers. - Creates a general understanding of one of the most fascinating and complex phenomena in biology - Discusses the ability and diversity of regeneration in various organisms - Explains the history and origins of cells in regenerating systems - Includes information on stem cells and its important role in regeneration

This book provides new insights into the universality of biological systems in animal reproduction and development by a comparative study of a variety of mechanisms in animals ranging from basal invertebrates to vertebrates, including mammals. Animals accomplish genetic diversity through meiosis and fertilization, and during embryogenesis animals must produce specialized cell types, including germ cells, in accordance with their individual body plan. This series of phenomena is essential to the continuity of life in the animal kingdom, and animals show various reproductive and developmental strategies. This volume, comprising four parts, reviews animal kingdom diversity, including reproductive strategies and germ cell differentiation mechanisms (Part 1), sex determination and differentiation (Part2), the mechanisms of fertilization (Part 3), and body axis formation (Part 4). Readers will find descriptions of the reproduction or development of 180 species, 13 phyla, 35 classes, 74 orders, 117 families, and 151 genera in this book. Of particular interest is the diversity of molecules and mechanisms used to achieve the same biological purpose in different animals. Undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists who want a deeper understanding of animal reproductive and developmental mechanisms will find this book to be of great value.