Biotechnology Volume V

This Encyclopedia of Biotechnology is a component of the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. Biotechnology draws on the pure biological sciences (genetics, animal cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, embryology, cell biology) and in many instances is also dependent on knowledge and methods from outside the sphere of biology (chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, information technology, biorobotics). This 15-volume set contains several chapters, each of size 5000-30000 words, with perspectives, applications and extensive illustrations. It carries state-of-the-art knowledge in the field and is aimed, by virtue of the several applications, at the following five major target audiences: University and College Students, Educators, Professional Practitioners, Research Personnel and Policy Analysts, Managers, and Decision Makers and NGOs

The title of this volume, Plant Biotechnology: Nell' Products and Applications, may look a little out of place among previous vol umes of Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology that have focused mostly on issues related to human health and ani mal biology, However, plant biology has always been of immense and has enjoyed an intimate relationship practical importance, with medicine and other biological sciences for centuries, In creasing scientific specialization and the dramatic advances in the medical and chemical sciences during this century have left many persons with the impression that plant biology and plant bio technology is important only in relation to the agricultural sci ences, This is no longer true. Within the past year a genetically engineered plant virus has been used to vaccinate and protect against an animal disease (see the chapter by Lomonossoff and Hamilton), the first human trials of a potential transgenic plant based oral vaccine against cholera have been conducted (see the chapter by Richter and Kipp), and the first human trial of an injectable transgenic plant-derived therapeutic protein is under way (discussed in the chapter by Russell et al. ). Today plant biotechnology is being used in new and creative ways to produce therapeutic products for medicine and plastics for industry as well as new disease-and stress-resistant crops for agriculture.

This Book Is Designed As Per The Syllabus Of Biotechnology Paper-5 Prescribed By Bangalore University And Other Indian Universities. The Book Is Divided Into Three Parts As Follows: * Animal Cell Biotechnology * Immunology * Plant BiotechnologyThe Presentation In Each Part Is Simple And Systematic. The Basic Concepts Have Been Clearly Explained And Their Functions Are Adequately Highlighted. A Few Recent Developments Have Also Been Included To Provide A Contemporary Understanding Of The Subject.

Plant genomics and biotechnology have recently made enormous strides, and hold the potential to benefit agriculture, the environment and various other dimensions of the human endeavor. It is no exaggeration to claim that the twenty-first century belongs to biotechnology. Knowledge generation in this field is growing at a frenetic pace, and keeping abreast of the latest advances and calls on us to double our efforts. Volume II of this two-part series addresses cutting-edge aspects of plant genomics and biotechnology. It includes 37 chapters contributed by over 70 researchers, each of which is an expert in his/her own field of research. Biotechnology has helped to solve many conundrums of plant life that had long remained a mystery to mankind. This volume opens with an exhaustive chapter on the role played by thale cress, Arabidopsis thaliana, which is believed to be the Drosophila of the plant kingdom and an invaluable model plant for understanding basic concepts in plant biology. This is followed by chapters on bioremediation, biofuels and biofertilizers through microalgal manipulation, making it a commercializable prospect; discerning finer details of biotic stress with plant-fungal interactions; and the dynamics of abiotic and biotic stresses, which also figure elsewhere in the book. Breeding crop plants for desirable traits has long been an endeavor of biotechnologists. The significance of molecular markers, marker assisted selection and techniques are covered in a dedicated chapter, as are comprehensive reviews on plant molecular biology, DNA fingerprinting techniques, genomic structure and functional genomics. A chapter dedicated to organellar genomes provides extensive information on this important aspect. Elsewhere in the book, the newly emerging area of epigenetics is presented as seen through the lens of biotechnology, showcasing the pivotal role of DNA methylation in effecting permanent and transient changes to the genome. Exclusive chapters deal with bioinformatics and systems biology. Handy tools for practical applications such as somatic embryogenesis and micropropagation are included to provide frontline information to entrepreneurs, as is a chapter on somaclonal variation. Overcoming barriers to sexual incompatibility has also long been a focus of biotechnology, and is addressed in chapters on wide hybridization and hybrid embryo rescue. Another area of accomplishing triploids through endosperm culture is included as a non-conventional breeding strategy. Secondary metabolite production through tissue cultures, which is of importance to industrial scientists, is also covered. Worldwide exchange of plant genetic material is currently an essential topic, as is conserving natural resources in situ. Chapters on in vitro conservation of extant, threatened and other valuable germplasms, gene banking and related issues are included, along with an extensive account of the biotechnology of spices – the low-volume, high-value crops. Metabolic engineering is another emerging field that provides commercial opportunities. As is well known, there is widespread concern over genetically modified crops among the public. GM crops are covered, as are genetic engineering strategies for combating biotic and abiotic stresses where no other solutions are in sight. RNAi- and micro RNA- based strategies for crop improvement have proved to offer novel alternatives to the existing non-conventional techniques, and detailed information on these aspects is also included. The book’s last five chapters are devoted to presenting the various aspects of environmental, marine, desert and rural biotechnology. The state-of-the-art coverage on a wide range of plant genomics and biotechnology topics will be of great interest to post-graduate students and researchers, including the employees of seed and biotechnology companies, and to instructors in the fields of plant genetics, breeding and biotechnology.

The basic concept of this book is to examine the use of innovative methods augmenting traditional plant breeding towards the development of new crop varieties under different environmental conditions to achieve sustainable food production. This book consists of two volumes: Volume 1 subtitled Breeding, Biotechnology and Molecular Tools and Volume 2 subtitled Agronomic, Abiotic and Biotic Stress Traits. This is Volume 1 which consists of 21 chapters covering domestication and germplasm utilization, conventional breeding techniques and the role of biotechnology. In addition to various biotechnological applications in plant breeding, it includes functional genomics, mutations and methods of detection, and molecular markers. In vitro techniques and their applications in plant breeding are discussed with an emphasis on embryo rescue, somatic cell hybridization and somaclonal variation. Other chapters cover haploid breeding, transgenics, cryogenics and bioinformatics.

Biotechnology revolutionized traditional plant breeding programs. This rapid change produced new discussions on techniques and opportunities for commerce, as well as a fear of the unknown. Plant Development and Biotechnology addresses the major issues of the field, with chapters on broad topics written by specialists. The book applies an informal style that addresses the major aspects of development and biotechnology with minimal references, without sacrificing information or accuracy. Divided into five primary parts, this volume explores how the field emerged from its early theoretical base to the technical discipline of today. It also covers progress being made with genetically engineered plants, providing a snapshot of the field's controversial present. Part III discusses methods for preparing media, creating solutions and dilutions, and accomplishing sterile culture work. It investigates common methods for visualizing and documenting studies, and quantifying responses of tissue culture in research. Part IV delivers the essential foundation of plant tissue culture, introducing the three types of commonly used culture regeneration systems. Part V integrates propagation techniques with other methodologies for the modification and manipulation of germplasm. Part VI concludes with special sections. Subjects include in vitro plant pathology, recent research into genetic and phenotypic variation, the mechanics of commercial plant production, and the importance of clean cultures and problems associated with maintaining in vitro cultures. The final chapter analyzes entrepreneurship in the field and outlines the do's and don'ts to consider when launching an enterprise.

This two-volume book is a valuable resource to students, researchers, scientists, commercial producers, consultants and policymakers interested in agriculture or plant sciences particularly in date palm biotechnology. Chapters in Date Palm Biotechnology Protocols: Volume 2: Germplasm Conservation and Molecular Breeding guides readers through methods and protocols on germplasm in vitro conservation, molecular analysis of in vitro cultures, genetic diversity, cultivar identity, gender identification, genomics, and proteomics. 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. Authoritative and practical, Date Palm Biotechnology Protocols: Volume 2: Germplasm Conservation and Molecular Breeding aims to supplement the previous volume and to provide precise stepwise protocols in the field of date palm biotechnology.

The status of crop biotechnology before 2001 was reviewed in Transgenic Crops I-III, but recent advances in plant cell and molecular biology have prompted the need for new volumes. This volume is devoted to fruit, trees and beverage crops. It presents the current knowledge of plant biotechnology as an important tool for crop improvement and includes up-to-date methodologies.