Protocols used in Molecular Biology is a compilation of several examples of molecular biology protocols. Each example is presented with a concise introduction, materials and chemicals required, a step-by-step procedure and troubleshooting tips. Information about the application of the protocol is also provided. The techniques included in this book are essential to research in the fields of proteomics, genomics, cell culture, epigenetic modification and structural biology. The protocols can also be used by clinical researchers (neuroscientists and oncologists, for example) for medical applications (diagnostics, therapeutics and multidisciplinary projects).

This volume explores a broad range of different genotyping techniques. Genotyping: Methods and Protocols consists of chapters that cover numerous topics such as: an overview of multiplexed microsatellite analysis; High Resolution Melt analysis and TaqMan-based assays; in situ analysis of variants in single RNA molecules; the MassARRAY system and Molecular Inversion Probes; Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis, Paralogue Ratio Test, and Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification; long-range PCR combined with PacBio sequencing; Targeted Locus Amplification; Multilocus Sequence Typing and rapid SNP detection with pyrosequencing; and genotyping-by-sequencing for plant analysis. Finally, the volume concludes with a summary of pertinent points to describe genetic variation. 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. Thorough and practical, Genotyping: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the diverse field of genotyping.

Plant taxonomy is an ancient discipline facing new challenges with the current availability of a vast array of molecular approaches which allow reliable genealogy-based classifications. Although the primary focus of plant taxonomy is on the delimitation of species, molecular approaches also provide a better understanding of evolutionary processes, a particularly important issue for some taxonomic complex groups. Molecular Plant Taxonomy: Methods and Protocols describes laboratory protocols based on the use of nucleic acids and chromosomes for plant taxonomy, as well as guidelines for phylogenetic analysis of molecular data. Experts in the field also contribute review and application chapters that will encourage the reader to develop an integrative taxonomy approach, combining nucleic acid and cytogenetic data together with other crucial information (taxonomy, morphology, anatomy, ecology, reproductive biology, biogeography, paleobotany), which will help not only to best circumvent species delimitation but also to resolve the evolutionary processes in play. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Molecular Plant Taxonomy: Methods and Protocols seeks to provide conceptual as well as technical guidelines to plant taxonomists and geneticists.

Practical Applications of Plant Molecular Biology is an important new title which covers the major techniques and how they are applied to a range of vitally important areas. Divided broadly into four sections, this book covers key subjects including the identification of plants and plant pathogens using molecular techniques, the estimation of genetic variation in plants, the use of molecular markers in plant improvement and the use of plant transformation techniques for the improvement of quality and the introduction of resistance. Also included is a comprehensive listing and description of the most frequently used techniques and a set of appendices covering useful topics of reference for the reader. All undergraduates studying plant sciences, molecular biology, biotechnology and agricultural sciences would benefit from having access to this title as would those studying for upper-level Masters courses concentrating on the disciplines covered. This book also provides an invaluable source of reference for professionals in agriculture, plant breeding, crop protection and improvement, biotechnology and molecular biology.

This book offers low-cost and rapid molecular assays for the characterization of mutant plant germplasm. Detailed protocols are provided for the desiccation of plant tissues; the extraction of high-quality DNA for downstream applications; the extraction of single-strand-specific nucleases for single nucleotide polymorphism; and small insertion/deletion discovery using standard agarose gel electrophoresis. The methods described can be applied in any laboratory equipped for basic molecular biology and do away with the need for expensive freezers and toxic organic compounds. With the appropriate validation of sample quality and longevity, they can provide sufficient DNA for a variety of molecular applications, such as marker studies and TILLING, at approximately one tenth of the cost per sample when compared to commercial kits.