This is an introduction to the methods and applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, a technology developed by Erlich's group at Cetus and Cetus, and is expected to be used in all biology laboratories worldwide within the next few years.

"A technique used to amplify the number of copies of a specific region of DNA, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is at the forefront of the dramatic development of biochemistry. This text provides the tools for developing innovative approaches to using this leading technology. It includes theoretical considerations, discussions, and a selection of state-of-the-art techniques for mutation studies, clinical diagnosis, and the detection of food-borne pathogens. This edition also discusses the preparation of PCR experiments, includes examples of analytical PCR divided into qualitative and quantitative applications, and explores preparative methods that address DNA generation for further analysis and in vitro evolution"--Provided by publisher.

This second volume focuses on PCR methods and PCR application specificities to the biotechnology and bioengineering field. New and updated chapters detail real-time PCR protocols, synthetic biology applications, pathogen detection, microfluidics, digital, multiplex detection recent advances. 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, PCR: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to be a useful and practical guide to new researchers and experts looking to expand their knowledge.

This indispensable manual is a compilation of review articles written by experts in the field of PCR technology. It is a recommended purchase for all microbiology and molecular biology laboratories and university libraries.

James D. Watson When, in late March of 1953, Francis Crick and I came to write the first Nature paper describing the double helical structure of the DNA molecule, Francis had wanted to include a lengthy discussion of the genetic implications of a molecule whose struc ture we had divined from a minimum of experimental data and on theoretical argu ments based on physical principles. But I felt that this might be tempting fate, given that we had not yet seen the detailed evidence from King's College. Nevertheless, we reached a compromise and decided to include a sentence that pointed to the biological significance of the molecule's key feature-the complementary pairing of the bases. "It has not escaped our notice," Francis wrote, "that the specific pairing that we have postulated immediately suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material." By May, when we were writing the second Nature paper, I was more confident that the proposed structure was at the very least substantially correct, so that this second paper contains a discussion of molecular self-duplication using templates or molds. We pointed out that, as a consequence of base pairing, a DNA molecule has two chains that are complementary to each other. Each chain could then act ". . . as a template for the formation on itself of a new companion chain, so that eventually we shall have two pairs of chains, where we only had one before" and, moreover, " ...

PCR has been successfully utilized in every facet of basic, cli- cal, and applied studies of the life sciences, and the impact that PCR has had on life science research is already staggering. C- comitant with the essentially universal use of PCR has been the creative and explosive development of a wide range of PCR-based techniques and applications. These increasingly numerous pro- cols have each had the general effect of facilitating and acceler- ing research. Because PCR technology is relatively easy and inexpensive, PCR applications are well within the reach of every research lab. In this sense, PCR has become the "equalizer" between "small" and "big" labs, since its use makes certain projects, especially those related to molecular cloning, now far more feasible for the small lab with a modest budget. This new volume on PCR Protocols does not attempt the impossible task of representing all PCR-based protocols. Rather, it presents a range of protocols, both analytical and preparative, that provide a solid base of knowledge on the use of PCR in many c- mon research problems. The first six chapters provide some basic information on how to get started. Chapters 7-19 represent primarily analytical uses of PCR, both for simple DNA and RNA detection, as well as for more complex analyses of nucleic acid (e. g. , DNA footprin ting, RNA splice site localization). The remaining chapters represent "synthetic," or preparative, uses of PCR.

Basic Science Methods for Clinical Researchers addresses the specific challenges faced by clinicians without a conventional science background. The aim of the book is to introduce the reader to core experimental methods commonly used to answer questions in basic science research and to outline their relative strengths and limitations in generating conclusive data. This book will be a vital companion for clinicians undertaking laboratory-based science. It will support clinicians in the pursuit of their academic interests and in making an original contribution to their chosen field. In doing so, it will facilitate the development of tomorrow's clinician scientists and future leaders in discovery science. - Serves as a helpful guide for clinical researchers who lack a conventional science background - Organized around research themes pertaining to key biological molecules, from genes, to proteins, cells, and model organisms - Features protocols, techniques for troubleshooting common problems, and an explanation of the advantages and limitations of a technique in generating conclusive data - Appendices provide resources for practical research methodology, including legal frameworks for using stem cells and animals in the laboratory, ethical considerations, and good laboratory practice (GLP)