The genomes of plants, animals and human consist of two components: euchromatin (representing the genes) and heterochromatin (consisting of non-coding DNAs). Unlike euchromatin, the biological role of heterochromatin is not known. To date, two types of chromosomal heterochromatin have been discovered: C- and Q-heterochromatin. C-heterochromatin is encountered in chromosomes of all higher eukaryotes, while Q-heterochromatin is present in only three higher primates: man, the chimpanzee and the gorilla. Wide variability of Q-heterochromatin has been shown to be mainly inherent in human populations. This study of Q-heterochromatin variability in natives of Eurasia and Africa highlights that interpopulation differences are related to physical environmental factors rather than to racial or ethnic features, and that the human ability to adapt to extreme conditions depends on the amount of Q-heterochromatin. The book also shows that Q-heterochromatin plays a role in the pathogenesis of certain forms of purely human pathologies such as obesity, alcoholism, addiction and atherosclerosis.

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).

This highly researched yeast, which represents a system used by cell biologists, geneticists and molecular biologists, has been given only minimal coverage in the literature. Its properties make it an excellent organism for DNA and related biotechnology reseach. This book, which is the first attempt to collate existing information in one source, will be an invaluable aid to those initiating projects with this organism.

Since publication of the first edition in 1995, there have been significant advances and understanding of chromatin structure and its relation to gene expression. These include a high-resolution structure of the nucleosome core, discovery of the enzymes and complexes that mediate histone acetylation and deacetylation, discovery of novel ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, new insights into nuclear organization and epigenetic silencing mechanisms. In light of these advances, Chromatin Structure and Gene Expression (2ed.) includes updated chapters and additional material that introduce new concepts in the process of gene regulation in chromatin.

This book presents an overview of the state-of-the-art in barley genome analysis, covering all aspects of sequencing the genome and translating this important information into new knowledge in basic and applied crop plant biology and new tools for research and crop improvement. Unlimited access to a high-quality reference sequence is removing one of the major constraints in basic and applied research. This book summarizes the advanced knowledge of the composition of the barley genome, its genes and the much larger non-coding part of the genome, and how this information facilitates studying the specific characteristics of barley. One of the oldest domesticated crops, barley is the small grain cereal species that is best adapted to the highest altitudes and latitudes, and it exhibits the greatest tolerance to most abiotic stresses. With comprehensive access to the genome sequence, barley’s importance as a genetic model in comparative studies on crop species like wheat, rye, oats and even rice is likely to increase.