Nucleic Acid Analysis

An indispensable handbook of the highest standard for those working in the fields of food analysis and forensic applications.

Protocols for Nucleic Acid Analysis by Non-radioactive Probes, Second Edition provides a firm background on the basic preparative protocols required for the analysis of nucleic acids by nonradioactive methods. Presenting the methodologies using amazing new applications, this volume offers guide chapters on nucleic acid extractions, preparation of nucleic acid blots, and labeling of nucleic acids with nonradioactive haptens. New fluorescent techniques such as Real Time PCR and microarrays are also included, allowing users to get a nonradioactive protocol implemented in the laboratory with minimum adaptation required and fastest time to results. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

In Nucleic Acid Chemistry: Methods and Protocols, expert researches in the field detail techniques and approaches for the detection of DNA and RNA. These techniques include the recovery of trace amounts of DNA for amplification and analysis, new qPCR chemistries, new application of isothermal amplification techniques, assays with visual or electric signals for point-of-care diagnostics, improvement of fluorescent in situ hybridization, and new signal amplification techniques. 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 practical, Nucleic Acid Chemistry: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientists in the further study of detection for DNA and RNA.

A comprehensive treasury of all the key molecular biology methods-ranging from DNA extraction to gene localization in situ-needed to function effectively in the modern laboratory. Each of the 120 highly successful techniques follows the format of the much acclaimed Methods in Molecular BiologyOao series, providing an introduction to the scientific basis of each technique, a complete listing of all the necessary materials and reagents, and clear step-by-step instruction to permit error-free execution. Included for each technique are notes about pitfalls to avoid, troubleshooting tips, alternate methods, and explanations of the reasons for certain steps-all key elements contributing significantly to success or failure in the lab. The Nucleic Acid Protocols Handbook constitutes today's most comprehensive collection of all the key classic and cutting-edge techniques for the successful isolation, analysis, and manipulation of nucleic acids by both experienced researchers and those new to the field."

Presents up-to-date computer methods for analysing DNA, RNA and protein sequences.

Nucleic acid hybridizations: principles and strategies; Generation of nucleic acid probe molecules; Nonisotopic DNA labeling strategies; Approaches to genetic analysis: genetic disease and screening; Approaches to genetic analysis: forensics; Approaches to infectious disease diagnosis; Diagnostic nucleic acid probe technology in veterinary medicine; Diagnostic nucleic acid probes in human medicine: applications, present and future; Developments in food technology: applications and regulatory and economic considerations; Current development and applications of nucleic acid technology in the environmental sciences.

In spite of the wide variety and complexity of biological materials, nucleic acids are ubiquitous. DNA is becoming the bioanalyte of choice due to the vast amount of information embedded in its sequence, its robust chemical nature and the range of highly sensitive analytical techniques that have been developed. The results of such analyses can have an important impact on our society both commercially and in terms of the quality of life. Absolute confidence in the data generated is therefore of the utmost importance. This book, produced by LGC as part of the VAM (Valid Analytical Measurement) Programme, introduces the issues of validation and quality to the bioanalytical community, specifically addressing DNA-based analyses. It aims to raise awareness of the factors that can influence the validity of DNA analysis and the production of quality data. Emphasis is placed on VAM principles, as well as additional challenges that are associated with the analysis of real samples, for example, complex food matrices or forensic samples that have been subjected to environmental insult. Information is collated from a variety of sources including literature, discussions and LGC research, and offers constructive advice where possible.

Nucleic Acids describes the way in which the fundamentally important biological activities of these molecules can be understood in terms of their chemical structures. The book focuses on the chemistry of the deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) and ribonucleic acids (RNA). However, because nucleic acid chemistry cannot be fully understood without some knowledge of the underlying biology, a substantial amount of the background biology is also included. Beginning with a concise review of the biological roles of nucleic acids, the text then discusses the components from which they are made, and works up through nucleosides and nucleotides to the covalent structures of the nucleic acids themselves. The double helical structure of DNA and its implications for replication are then described. This is followed by a detailed treatment of the chemistry of the processes by which the information encoded in DNA is expressed in terms of the amino acid sequences of proteins. The final chapter describes modern tools of DNA analysis and how they have been used in a range of recent applications such as gene cloning, genome sequence analysis, and DNA fingerprinting. Although targeted specifically at undergraduate chemistry students, Nucleic Acids will also be of interest to undergraduates studying biochemistry. Ideal for the needs of undergraduate chemistry students, Tutorial Chemistry Texts is a major series consisting of short, single topic or modular texts concentrating on the fundamental areas of chemistry taught in undergraduate science courses. Each book provides a concise account of the basic principles underlying a given subject, embodying an independent-learning philosophy and including worked examples.