Biotechnology instructors require currency, sound pedagogy and a brief objective introduction to a broad range
of topics and technologies. Students need an accessible and clear presentation along with hot topics and real-world
examples. Susan Barnum meets all these requirements and needs in this second edition of her enormously popular
text, BIOTECHNOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION, Second Edition. Barnum offers a broad view of biotechnology, integrating
historical and modern topics. She then describes the processes and methods used to manipulate living organisms
or the substances and products from these organisms for medical, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Using case
studies and examples, the author rounds out discussions by detailing the technology and how it is applied, including
discussions on the implications of biotechnology in such areas as gene therapy, medicine, agriculture, marine biology,
and forensics. More complex and difficult-to-teach topics are given special coverage, by providing outlines, bulleted
lists, and tables for simplifying and clarifying topics such as immunology, construction of recombinant DNA molecules,
relevant lab techniques, monoclonal antibodies, and plant transformation/regeneration. Besides the addition of
color, this new edition places more information in boxes to focus on the process of science, the accomplishments
of researchers in the field, and real-world examples of biotechnology. In addition, Susan Barnum extends her already
excellent objective coverage of the ethical and social implications of biotechnology by focusing on the most relevant
topics in a sidebar in each chapter. Commercial, economical, and medical effects of current biotechnology practices
are also made clearer and more relevant for students.
Benefits:
BIOTECHNOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION offers a balanced treatment of the methods, implications, and debate surrounding
the use of biotechnological products now and in the future.
NEW! The book emphasizes up-to-date, current coverage of all biotechnological issues, advances, and applications,
such as the human genome and other genomes, animal cloning, pharmacogenomics, plant bioreactors, and biotechnology
regulation and patent information. Coverage also includes new methods and techniques often not mentioned in other
texts, including RNA interference, microarray technology, and microbial surface display.
Current coverage of medical biotechnology includes topics such as the Human Genome Project, PCR (polymerase
chain reaction), forensics, DNA fingerprinting, and plant biotechnology.
Special attention is given to detailing and explaining difficult topics, such as DNA sequencing, PCR, and DNA/RNA/protein
synthesis.
An appendix lists addresses and descriptions of biotechnology Web sites for further exploration.
NEW! The infusion of a second color has not only added vibrancy and appeal to this popular text but made the
material easier to learn from.
NEW! An Instructor's Manual with Test Bank is available for the first time with this title to provide timesaving
direction and support for instructors.
NEW! Two types of boxed features have been added. Every chapter includes at least one box focusing on the "The
Cutting Edge." These boxes explain the process of scientists performing particular techniques, presenting
the accomplishments of specific researchers, and providing real-world examples of biotechnology in application.
The topics covered by the boxes are relevant to each chapter, and include "Breaking the Genetic Code,"
"Humanizing Pig Tissues and Organs," and "The Use of DNA Profiling."
NEW! The second type of box in each chapter is entitled "Cause for Concern?" and is related to bio-ethics.
These sidebars focus on the ethical concerns surrounding biotechnology research and advancement, as well as its
societal and environmental ramifications. As with the boxes, the topics are related to chapter content, and include
"Biotechnologies and Developing Countries," "Release of Transgenic Fish," and "Recombinanat
DNA Technology: Promise and Controversy."
NEW! An appropriate and more consistent level of detail is provided on a broad range of topics to ensure that
students can explore topics to the right depth. In keeping with this goal of breadth and accessibility, the chapter
coverage has been somewhat shifted by splitting the discussion of recombinant DNA technologies into two chapters,
and adding a chapter on immunology. In addition, the coverage of basic molecular biology concepts has been greatly
expanded and is loaded with new illustrations.
Table of Contents
1. Biotechnology: Old and New.
2. From DNA to Proteins.
3. Basic Principles of Recombinant DNA Technology.
4. Basic Principles of Immunology.
5. Microbial Biotechnology.
6. Plant Biotechnology.
7. Animal Biotechnology.
8. Marine Biotechnology.
9. Genomics.
10. Medical Biotechnology.
11. DNA Profiling, Forensics, and Other Applications.