A Laboratory Guide For Cellular And Molecular Plant Biology

This laboratory guide comes at a time when several other method books have already been published in this field. Is this one different from the others? Yes and no. There was no attempt made to be comprehensive. Rather, data were brought to bear on areas where enough competence has been gathered in our laboratories and to complement recent method books (many of which cover extensively various aspects of molecular biology) in those matters which appeared to us somewhat neglected. There was a constant preoccupation and effort to provide miniaturized proce dures that are both simple and time-saving. Interest was devoted to standardized procedures and culture conditions, avoiding dogmas such as those giving excessive importance to sophisticated culture media with endless adjustments for local or personal considerations. The key to success is the quality of the plant material serving as a source of cells. Consequently, isolation. extraction or culture techniques can be simplified and standardized. This is symptomatic for our times as it marks the end of a period when methodological matters were frequently above the biological problems. The times of "methods above all" is basically over, despite the fact that many of us still believe that, say, tissue culture is a "science" per se. By presenting a few original techniques we believe that one seriously reduces the empiricism still prevailing in this area of research.

This laboratory guide comes at a time when several other method books have already been published in this field. Is this one different from the others? Yes and no. There was no attempt made to be comprehensive. Rather, data were brought to bear on areas where enough competence has been gathered in our laboratories and to complement recent method books (many of which cover extensively various aspects of molecular biology) in those matters which appeared to us somewhat neglected. There was a constant preoccupation and effort to provide miniaturized proce dures that are both simple and time-saving. Interest was devoted to standardized procedures and culture conditions, avoiding dogmas such as those giving excessive importance to sophisticated culture media with endless adjustments for local or personal considerations. The key to success is the quality of the plant material serving as a source of cells. Consequently, isolation. extraction or culture techniques can be simplified and standardized. This is symptomatic for our times as it marks the end of a period when methodological matters were frequently above the biological problems. The times of "methods above all" is basically over, despite the fact that many of us still believe that, say, tissue culture is a "science" per se. By presenting a few original techniques we believe that one seriously reduces the empiricism still prevailing in this area of research.

Covering the whole range of molecular biology techniques - genetic engineering as well as cytogenetics of plants -, each chapter begins with an introduction to the basic approach. followed by detailed methods with easy-to-follow protocols and comprehensive troubleshooting. The first part introduces basic molecular methodology such as DNA extraction, blotting, production of libraries and RNA cloning, while the second part describes analytical approaches, in particular RAPD and RFLP. The manual concludes with a variety of gene transfer techniques and both molecular and cytological analysis. As such, this will be of great use to both the first-timer and the experienced scientist.

The book, “A Laboratory Manual of Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology” comprises of workable laboratory protocols for a large number of techniques related to plant biotechnology, genetic engineering and molecular biology. This includes plant cell and tissue culture, callus and suspension culture, anther culture, ovule culture, embryo culture, Cryopreservation, Isolation of Plant protoplasts, Protoplast culture and regeneration, production of somatic hybrids through protoplast fusion, gene transformation using Agrobacterium as vector, direct gene transfer using biolistic gun, Isolation of plant and organells DNA, construction and screening of genomic DNA libraries, Molecular markers like RFLP, RAPD, SCARS and CAPS, DNA sequencing, RNA isolation and northern blotting, Isolation of proteins and western blotting etc. The manual is prepared with the objective to cater the needs of post- graduate students as well as for scientists working in the disciplines of Plant Breeding, Genetics, Botany, Plant physiology, Biochemistry, Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology etc. It gives an update on some well established methods and presents reliable protocols.

Recent advances in our understanding of cells has put cell biology at the center of biological and medical research. This two volume set provides researchers with the information they need to understand and carry out the essential techniques used for studying cells. It covers a wide range of traditional and recently developed techniques and includes the fine detail necessary for immediate application in the laboratory. It is useful both as a compendium of protocols for experienced researchers and as a valuable guide for newcomers to the subject.

This four-volume laboratory manual contains comprehensive state-of-the-art protocols essential for research in the life sciences. Techniques are presented in a friendly step-by-step fashion, providing useful tips and potential pitfalls. The important steps and results are beautifully illustrated for further ease of use. This collection enables researchers at all stages of their careers to embark on basic biological problems using a variety of technologies and model systems. This thoroughly updated third edition contains 165 new articles in classical as well as rapidly emerging technologies. Topics covered include: Cell and Tissue Culture: Associated Techniques, Viruses, Antibodies, Immunocytochemistry (Volume 1) Organelle and Cellular Structures, Assays (Volume 2) Imaging Techniques, Electron Microscopy, Scanning Probe and Scanning Electron Microscopy, Microdissection, Tissue Arrays, Cytogenetics and In Situ Hybridization, Genomics and Transgenic Knockouts and Knock-down Methods (Volume 3) Transfer of Macromolecules, Expression Systems, Gene Expression Profiling (Volume 4) Indispensable bench companion for every life science laboratory Provides the latest information on the plethora of technologies needed to tackle complex biological problems Includes numerous illustrations, some in full color, supporting steps and results