Now updated for its second edition, Population Genetics is the classic, accessible introduction to the concepts of population genetics. Combining traditional conceptual approaches with classical hypotheses and debates, the book equips students to understand a wide array of empirical studies that are based on the first principles of population genetics. Featuring a highly accessible introduction to coalescent theory, as well as covering the major conceptual advances in population genetics of the last two decades, the second edition now also includes end of chapter problem sets and revised coverage of recombination in the coalescent model, metapopulation extinction and recolonization, and the fixation index.

The field of epigenetics has grown exponentially in the past decade, and a steady flow of exciting discoveries in this area has served to move it to the forefront of molecular biology. Although epigenetics may previously have been considered a peripheral science, recent advances have shown considerable progress in unraveling the many mysteries of nontraditional genetic processes. Given the fast pace of epigenetic discoveries and the groundbreaking nature of these developments, a thorough treatment of the methods in the area seems timely and appropriate and is the goal of Epigenetics Protocols. The scope of epigenetics is vast, and an exhaustive analysis of all of the techniques employed by investigators would be unrealistic. However, this (TM) volume of Methods in Molecular Biology covers three main areas that should be of greatest interest to epigenetics investigators: (1) techniques related to analysis of chromatin remodeling, such as histone acetylation and methylation; (2) methods in newly developed and especially promising areas of epigenetics such as telomere position effects, quantitative epigenetics, and ADP ribosylation; and (3) an updated analysis of techniques involving DNA methylation and its role in the modification, as well as the maintenance, of chromatin structure.

Over the past decade the importance of natural resources for sustainable agricultural development has been increasingly discussed at international forums and conferences. Aside from the sustainable management of soil, water, and air, it now seems to be accepted that the sustainable management of genetic resources is one of the four indispensable preconditions for a sustainable agriculture. The discussion on conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), however, has to reflect the costs of conservation as well. These have not yet been discussed intensively. The study analyzes the conservation costs of plant genetic resources; it also assesses the effectiveness of conservation and the efficiency of the different conservation instruments. It is based on extensive surveys in relevant countries. Following the detailed cost and impact analysis, the results show that the effectiveness of conservation strategies may be increased.

The study of the prehistory of East Asia is developing very rapidly. In uncovering the story of the flows of human migration that constituted the peopling of East Asia there exists widespread debate about the nature of evidence and the tools for correlating results from different disciplines.

Drawing upon the latest evidence in genetics, linguistics and archaeology, this exciting new book examines the history of the peopling of East Asia, and investigates the ways in which we can detect migration, and its different markers in these fields of inquiry. Results from different academic disciplines are compared and reinterpreted in the light of evidence from others to attempt to try and generate consensus on methodology. Taking a broad geographical focus, the book also draws attention to the roles of minority peoples - hitherto underplayed in accounts of the region's prehistory - such as the Austronesian, Tai-Kadai and Altaic speakers, whose contribution to the regional culture is now becoming accepted.

Past Human Migrations in East Asia presents a full picture of the latest research on the peopling of East Asia, and will be of interest to scholars of all disciplines working on the reconstruction of the peopling of East and North East Asia.

This volume is designed to provide a framework for studying the public policy implications of a broad range of biomedical technologies. Each chapter focuses on the policy issues and political activities surrounding a single technology. Contributors address such issues as new reproductive technologies, animal experimentation, contraceptive drugs, genetic markers and technology and the aging society.

2. IMPORTANCE OF NITROGEN METABOLISM 2. 1. Range of naturally occurring nitrogenous components in forest trees 2. 2. Gene expression and mapping 2. 3. Metabolic changes in organized and unorganized systems 2. 4. Nitrogen and nutrition 2. 5. Aspects of intermediary nitrogen metabolism 3. NITROGEN METABOLISM IN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 3. 1. Precultural factors 3. 2. Callus formation 3. 3. Cell suspensions 3. 3. 1. Conifers 3. 3. 2. Acer 3. 4. Morphogenesis 3. 4. 1. Nitrogen metabolism of natural embryos 3. 4. 2. Somatic embryogenesis 3. 4. 2. 1. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) 3. 4. 2. 2. Douglar-fir and loblolly pine 3. 4. 3. Organogenesis 4. OUTLOOK 11. CARBOHYDRATE UTILIZATION AND METABOLISM - T. A. Thorpe 325 1. INTRODUCTION 2. NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS 3. CARBOHYDRATE UPTAKE 4. CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM 4. 1. Sucrose degradation 4. 2. Metabolism of other carbon sources 4. 3. Hexose mobilization and metabolism 4. 3. 1. Cell cycle studies 4. 3. 2. Growth studies 4. 3. 3. Organized development 4. 4. Cell wall biogenesis 4. 4. 1. Primary cell walls 4. 4. 2. Cell wall turnover 4. 4. 3. Secondary cell walls 4. 5. Carbon skeleton utilization 5. OSMOTIC ROLE 6. CONCLUDING THOUGHTS 369 12. THE USE OF IN VITRO TECHNIQUES FOR GENETIC MODIFICATIO~FOREST TREES - E. G. Kirby 1. INTRODUCTION 2. IN VITRO SELECTION 2. 1. Natural variation 2. 2. Induction of variation 2. 3. Selection techniques 2. 4. Plant regeneration 2 . * 5. Applications x 3. SOMATIC HYBRIDIZATION 3. 1.

General inspection of a role performed in the cell by RNAs allows us to distinguish three major groups of transcripts: I. protein-coding mRNAs, II. non-coding housekeeping and III. regulatory RNAs.

The housekeeping RNAs include RNA classes that are generally, constitutively expressed and whose presence is required for normal function and viability of the cells. On the other hand, a group of regulatory RNAs includes RNA species that are expressed at certain stages of organism development or cell differentiation or as a response to external stimuli and can affect expression of other genes on the levels of transcription or translation.

Non-coding RNA transcripts form a heterogeneous class of RNAs that can not be characterized by a single specific function. Initially, the term non-coding RNA (ncRNA) was used primarily to describe polyadenylated and a capped eukaryotic RNAs transcribed by RNA polymerase II, but lacking long open reading frames. Now, this definition can be extended to cover all RNA transcripts that do not show protein-coding capacity and is sometimes used to describe any RNA that does not encode protein, including introns.

This book is an in-depth look at the function of Non-Coding RNAs and their relationship to Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology.

In the field of molecular evolution, inferences about past evolutionary events are made using molecular data from currently living species. With the availability of genomic data from multiple related species, molecular evolution has become one of the most active and fastest growing fields of study in genomics and bioinformatics.

Most studies in molecular evolution rely heavily on statistical procedures based on stochastic process modelling and advanced computational methods including high-dimensional numerical optimization and Markov Chain Monte Carlo. This book provides an overview of the statistical theory and methods used in studies of molecular evolution. It includes an introductory section suitable for readers that are new to the field, a section discussing practical methods for data analysis, and more specialized sections discussing specific models and addressing statistical issues relating to estimation and model choice. The chapters are written by the leaders of field and they will take the reader from basic introductory material to the state-of-the-art statistical methods.

This book is suitable for statisticians seeking to learn more about applications in molecular evolution and molecular evolutionary biologists with an interest in learning more about the theory behind the statistical methods applied in the field. The chapters of the book assume no advanced mathematical skills beyond basic calculus, although familiarity with basic probability theory will help the reader. Most relevant statistical concepts are introduced in the book in the context of their application in molecular evolution, and the book should be accessible for most biology graduate students with an interest in quantitative methods and theory.

Rasmus Nielsen received his Ph.D. form the University of California at Berkeley in 1998 and after a postdoc at Harvard University, he assumed a faculty position in Statistical Genomics at Cornell University. He is currently an Ole Romer Fellow at the University of Copenhagen and holds a Sloan Research Fellowship. His is an associate editor of the Journal of Molecular Evolution and has published more than fifty original papers in peer-reviewed journals on the topic of this book.

From the reviews:

..".Overall this is a very useful book in an area of increasing importance." Journal of the Royal Statistical Society

"I find Statistical Methods in Molecular Evolution very interesting and useful. It delves into problems that were considered very difficult just several years ago...the book is likely to stimulate the interest of statisticians that are unaware of this exciting field of applications. It is my hope that it will also help the 'wet lab' molecular evolutionist to better understand mathematical and statistical methods." Marek Kimmel for the Journal of the American Statistical Association, September 2006

"Who should read this book? We suggest that anyone who deals with molecular data (who does not?) and anyone who asks evolutionary questions (who should not?) ought to consult the relevant chapters in this book." Dan Graur and Dror Berel for Biometrics, September 2006

"Coalescence theory facilitates the merger of population genetics theory with phylogenetic approaches, but still, there are mostly two camps: phylogeneticists and population geneticists. Only a few people are moving freely between them. Rasmus Nielsen is certainly one of these researchers, and his work so far has merged many population genetic and phylogenetic aspects of biological research under the umbrella of molecular evolution. Although Nielsen did not contribute a chapter to his book, his work permeates all its chapters. This book gives an overview of his interests and current achievements in molecular evolution. In short, this book should be on your bookshelf." Peter Beerli for Evolution, 60(2), 2006"

Animal cells are the preferred "cell factories" for the production of complex molecules and antibodies for use as prophylactics, therapeutics or diagnostics. Animal cells are required for the correct post-translational processing (including glycosylation) of biopharmaceutical protein products. They are used for the production of viral vectors for gene therapy. Major targets for this therapy include cancer, HIV, arthritis, cardiovascular and CNS diseases and cystic fibrosis. Animal cells are used as in vitro substrates in pharmacological and toxicological studies. This book is designed to serve as a comprehensive review of animal cell culture, covering the current status of both research and applications. For the student or R&D scientist or new researcher the protocols are central to the performance of cell culture work, yet a broad understanding is essential for translation of laboratory findings into the industrial production. Within the broad scope of the book, each topic is reviewed authoritatively by experts in the field to produce state-of-the-art collection of current research. A major reference volume on cell culture research and how it impacts on production of biopharmaceutical proteins worldwide, the book is essential reading for everyone working in cell culture and is a recommended volume for all biotechnology libraries.

Why do modern agricultural techniques, which are environmentally damaging, continue to be used? This book seeks the answer to that question, by looking at the evolution of agricultural research in its cultural context. The theoretical framework is supported by historical case studies concerning hybrid maize in the United States, and the Green Revolution in Mexico. A chapter is also devoted to biotechnology, and its implications for the disturbing trend towards genetic uniformity.

This important book traces the history of genetics and genomics policy in Britain. Detailing the scientific, political, and economic factors that have informed policy and the development of new health services, the book highlights the particular importance of the field of Public Health Genomics. Although focused primarily on events in Britain, the book reveals a number of globally applicable lessons. The authors explain how and why Public Health Genomics developed and the ways in which genetics and genomics have come to have a central place in many important health debates. Consideration of their ethical, social, and legal implications and ensuring that new services that are equitable, appropriate, and well-targeted will be central to effective health planning and policymaking in future. The book features: Interviews with leading individuals who were intimately involved in the development of genetics and genomics policy and Public Health Genomics Insights from experts who participated in a pair of 'witness seminars' Historical analysis exploiting a wide range of primary sources Written in a clear and accessible style, this book will be of interest to those involved in the research and practice of genetics, genomics, bioethics, and population health, but also to NHS staff, policymakers, politicians, and the public. It will also be valuable supplementary reading for students of the History of Medicine and Health, Public Health, and Biomedical Sciences.

The identification of normal and breast cancer stem cells has offered a new vision of this heterogeneous disease and new hopes for its prognosis and treatment. This volume provides an overview of recent developments in mammary stem cell research and discusses the many varieties of approaches used by researchers to investigate the properties and functions of mammary stem cells. The beginning chapters provide readers with an introduction to mammary stem cells, and the processes used to characterize stem cells and isolate them via fluorescent activated cell sorting. The next few chapters discuss DNA and mRNA sequencing, proteomic techniques to help profile cells, lentiviral cell transduction for gene expression, and in vivo lineage tracing. The final few chapters are dedicated to following stem cells from their initial niche to the new microenvironment at their metastasis site, and to studying these cells using physical and mathematical approaches. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, the chapters include the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results in the laboratory. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Mammary Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols aims to help members of the scientific community explore the behavior of stem cells and how to work with them in order to guide the design of new and complimentary strategies to be applied in the clinic with the ultimate end goal of fighting breast cancer.

A better "casting" could not be conceived. The authors of this book are gold smiths on the subject. I have followed their work since their "entry" into cyto genetics and I have a high esteem for them. I consider it an honour to be asked to write the preface of their opus. Paul Popescu, Directeur de Recherche at INRA, has also played a promi nent part in the development of animal cytogenetics, especially in domestic animals. He is able to tell you the cost of a translocation in a pig breeding farm or a cow population: a fortune! P. Popescu has played a great part in gene mapping of these species using "in situ DNA hybridisation". His contributions are recognised world-wide. His laboratory receives many visitors every year and it serves as a reference for domestic animal cytogenetics. Helene Hayes, Charge de Recherche at INRA, has collaborated with P. POPESCU in the elaboration of the "at hand" techniques and in many other discoveries which are listed in her bibliography. She showed the fascinating correspondence between bovine and human chromosomes and the com pared gene maps of domestic bovidae.

The determination of protein function has been a major goal of molecular biology since the founding of the discipline. However, as we learn more about gene function, we discover that the context within which a gene is expressed controls the specific function of that gene. It has become critical to establish the background in which gene function is determined and to perform experiments in multiple applicable backgrounds.In "Gene Function Analysis, Second Edition," a number of computational and experimental techniques are presented for identifying not only the function of an individual gene, but also the partners that work with that gene. The theme of data integration runs strongly through the computational techniques, with many focusing on gathering data from different sources and different biomolecular types. Experimental techniques have evolved to determine function in specific tissues and at specific times during development. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and easily accessible, "Gene Function Analysis, Second Edition" seeks to serve both professionals and novices with a growing understanding of the complexity of gene function."

For all introductory genetics courses. Known for its focus on conceptual understanding, problem solving, and practical applications, the bestselling Essentials of Genetics strengthens problem-solving skills and explores the essential genetics topics that today's students need to understand. The 10th Edition has been extensively updated to provide comprehensive coverage of important, emerging topics such as CRISPR-Cas, epigenetics, and genetic testing. Additionally, a new Special Topics chapter covers Advances in Neurogenetics with a focus on Huntington Disease, and new essays on Genetics, Ethics, and Society emphasise ethical considerations that genetics is bringing into everyday life.

Chromosomes Today Volume 12 records the plenary proceedings of the 12th triennial International Chromosone Conference, presenting an overview of the current concerns in the developing studies of animal, plant and human cytogenetics. As well as giving an accurate historical record of the achievements in chromosome studies, this important series points the way forword, emphasizing the areas in which new developments will take place. Volume 12 explores the complete integration of molecular biology and cytogenetics, evaluating the concensus of the world's cytogeneticists concerning the nature and activities of the chromosome.It reinforces our view of the chromosome as the genetic organelle whose structure, behaviour and modification underlie our modern concept ofeukaryote genetics.

This text is based on a set of not es produced for courses given for gradu- ate students in mathematics, computer science and biochemistry during the academic year 1998-1999 at the University of Turku in Turku and at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm. The course in Turku was organized by Professor Mats Gyllenberg's groupl and was also included 2 within the postgraduate program ComBi , a Graduate School in Compu- tational Biology, Bioinformatics, and Biometry, directed by Professor Esko Ukkonen at the University of Helsinki. The purpose of the courses was to give a thorough and systematic intro duc ti on to probabilistic modelling in bioinformatics for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who had a fairly limited background in prob ability theory, but were otherwise well trained in mathematics and were already familiar with at least some of the techniques of algorithmic sequence analysis. Portions of the material have also been lectured at shorter graduate courses and seminars both in Finland and in Sweden. The initial set of notes circulated also for a time outside those two countries via the World Wide Web. The intermediate course in probability theory and techniques of discrete mathematics held by the author at the University College of Sodertorn (Hud- dinge, Sweden) during the academic year 1997-1998 has also influenced the presentation. The opportunity to give this course is hereby gratefully ac- knowledged.

The genome sequences of several pseudomonads have become available in recent years and researchers are beginning to use the data to make new discoveries about this bacterium. This concise volume reviews the most current and topical aspects of Pseudomonas molecular biology and genomics and is aimed at a readership of research scientists, graduate students and other specialists. Renowned international authors have contributed chapters on diverse topics including taxonomy, genome diversity, oligonucleotide usage, polysaccharides, pathogenesis, virulence, biofilms, antibiotic resistance and iron uptake. In addition an entire chapter is devoted to the genetic tools being developed to take full advantage of the wealth of information generated by the genome sequencing efforts. This book is essential reading for anyone involved in Pseudomonas research.

The history of eugenics and racial nationalism in Central and Southeast Europe is a neglected topic of analysis in contemporary scholarship. The 20 essays in this volume, written by distinguished scholars of eugenics and fascism alongside a new generation of scholars, excavate the hitherto unknown eugenics movements in Central and Southeast Europe, including Austria and Germany. Eugenics and racial nationalism are topics that have constantly been marginalized and rated as incompatible with local national traditions in Central and Southeast Europe. These topics receive new treatment here. On the one hand, the historiographic perspective connects developments in the history of anthropology and eugenics with political ideologies such as racial nationalism and anti-Semitism; on the other hand, it contests the 'Sonderweg' approach adopted by scholars dealing with these issues.

The generality and quantitative extent of alternative splicing have only now begun to be fully appreciated. The first draft of the complete human genome led to the surprisingly low figure of about 32,000 genes. The extensive use of alternative splicing and its consequences in terms of coding capacity could account for this discrepancy and help fill the complexity gap between the genome and the proteome. After a computer-based assessment of the frequency of alternative splicing, this book addresses mechanistic aspects followed by examples of its involvement in important cellular processes. Finally, it raises the possibility of artificial modulation of alternative splicing by antisense nucleotides.

Although numerous studies have been made of the Western educated political elite of colonial Nigeria in particular, and of Africa in general, very few have approached the study from a perspective that analyzes the impacts of indigenous institutions on the lives, values, and ideas of these individuals. This book is about the diachronic impact of indigenous and Western agencies in the upbringing, socialization, and careers of the colonial Igbo political elite of southeastern Nigeria. The thesis argues that the new elite manifests the continuity of traditions and culture and therefore their leadership values and the impact they brought on African society cannot be fully understood without looking closely at their lived experiences in those indigenous institutions where African life coheres. The key has been to explore this question at the level of biography, set in the context of a carefully reconstructed social history of the particular local communities surrounding the elite figures. It starts from an understanding of their family and village life, and moves forward striving to balance the familiar account of these individuals in public life, with an account of the ongoing influences from family, kinship, age grades, marriage and gender roles, secret societies, the church, local leaders and others. The result is not only a model of a new approach to African elite history, but also an argument about how to understand these emergent leaders and their peers as individuals who shared with their fellow Africans a dynamic and complex set of values that evolved over the six decades of colonialism.