Introduction When the study of heredity and variation first came to be treated as a scientific subject-and this, one must remember, was only just over a hundred years ago-there was an unfortunate separation between the disciplines of cytology and experimental breeding. This separation was based partly on a lack of understanding and partly on a lack of the desire to understand. Even WILLIAM BATESON, the first apostle of mendelism in England, had a blind spot for cytology and for many years dogmatically refused to believe that MENDEL'S determinants were transmitted and distributed by the chromosomes. This separation between cytology and experimental breeding is one which persists, in a measure, even today, simply because there are two quite different, though complementary, techniques available for the study of heredity and variation. On the one hand, one can study directly the structure and behaviour of the actual vehicles which transmit the genetic determinants from one generation to the next. This is the method employed by those who study genetics through a microscope. The alternative method is that used by the experimental breeder who, in default of being able to watch the hereditary factors segregate from each other directly, is obliged to examine the constitution of the germ cells indirectly by sampling, and usually at random, the products of a controlled mating.

Black & white print. Concepts of Biology is designed for the typical introductory biology course for nonmajors, covering standard scope and sequence requirements. The text includes interesting applications and conveys the major themes of biology, with content that is meaningful and easy to understand. The book is designed to demonstrate biology concepts and to promote scientific literacy.

The Principles of Biology sequence (BI 211, 212 and 213) introduces biology as a scientific discipline for students planning to major in biology and other science disciplines. Laboratories and classroom activities introduce techniques used to study biological processes and provide opportunities for students to develop their ability to conduct research.

In spite of the fact that the process of meiosis is fundamental to inheritance, surprisingly little is understood about how it actually occurs. There has recently been a flurry of research activity in this area and this volume summarizes the advances coming from this work. All authors are recognized and respected research scientists at the forefront of research in meiosis. Of particular interest is the emphasis in this volume on meiosis in the context of gametogenesis in higher eukaryotic organisms, backed up by chapters on meiotic mechanisms in other model organisms. The focus is on modern molecular and cytological techniques and how these have elucidated fundamental mechanisms of meiosis. Authors provide easy access to the literature for those who want to pursue topics in greater depth, but reviews are comprehensive so that this book may become a standard reference.Key Features* Comprehensive reviews that, taken together, provide up-to-date coverage of a rapidly moving field* Features new and unpublished information* Integrates research in diverse organisms to present an overview of common threads in mechanisms of meiosis* Includes thoughtful consideration of areas for future investigation

Meiosis is a key event in the life of all sexually reproductive organisms. As a consequence of recombination and segregation of maternal and paternal sets of chromosomes, it represents the largest natural source of genetic variability. The field of meiosis research is expanding rapidly, with significant progress resulting from the use of suitable model systems as well as from the identification and characterization of proteins, many of them meiosis-specific, which play a key role during meiotic events. This volume provides the reader with a series of authoritative review articles summarizing some of the most recent advances in the field of meiosis research. Most of the more commonly used model systems are investigated taking the comparative aspects into account. Written by leading experts in the field, the book is a valuable reference for researchers and graduate students in genetics, cell and developmental biology, reproductive biology and andrology.

Stem cell science has the potential to impact human reproductive medicine significantly - cutting edge technologies allow the production and regeneration of viable gametes from human stem cells offering potential to preciously infertile patients. Written by leading experts in the field Stem Cells in Reproductive Medicine brings together chapters on the genetics and epigenetics of both the male and female gametes as well as advice on the production and regeneration of gene cells in men and women, trophoblasts and endometrium from human embryonic and adult stem cells. Although focussing mainly on the practical elements of the use of stem cells in reproductive medicine, the book also contains a section on new developments in stem cell research. The book is essential reading for reproductive medicine clinicians, gynecologists and embryologists who want to keep abreast of practical developments in this rapidly developing field.