Chirality is a fundamental, persistent, but often overlooked feature of all living organisms on the molecular level as well as on the macroscopic scale. The high degree of preference for only one of two possible mirror image forms in Nature, often called biological homochirality is a puzzling, and not yet fully understood, phenomenon.

This book covers biological homochirality from an interdisciplinary approach - contributions range from synthetic chemists, theoretical topologists and physicists, from palaeontologists and biologists to space scientists and representatives of the pharmaceutical and materials industries.
Topics covered include -
theory of biochirality,
origins of biochirality,
autocatalysis with amplification of chirality,
macroscopic (present) biochirality,
fossil records of chiral organisms - paleochirality,
extraterrestrial origin of chirality,
exceptions to the rule of biological homochirality, D-amino acids,
chemical transfer of chirality,
P effects, and
polarised radiation chemistry.

This book highlights modern strategies and methods to improve oilseed crops in the era of climate change, presenting the latest advances in plant molecular breeding and genomics-driven breeding. Spectacular achievements in the fields of molecular breeding, transgenics and genomics in the last three decades have facilitated revolutionary changes in oilseed- crop-improvement strategies and techniques. Since the genome sequencing of rice, as the first crop plant, in 2002, the genomes of about one dozen oilseed crops have been sequenced and more are to follow. This has made it possible to decipher the exact nucleotide sequence and chromosomal positions of agroeconomic genes. Most importantly, comparative genomics and genotyping-by-sequencing have opened up new vistas for exploring available biodiversity, particularly of wild crop relatives, for identifying useful donor genes.

The book gives an overview of developments in Quantitative Genetics and variance component analysis in an era of Big Data and Sequenced Genomes. It provides a detailed description of a direct method of estimation that will be a useful means of extracting information from a large set of data that was inconceivable 10 to 20 years ago.The book is a combination of a history of variance component analysis and a forward looking view as to how direct methods of estimation arise from the availability of big data sets and sequenced genomes of each individual in the sample.Many papers and books on quantitative genetics versions of the general linear model from statistics are useful for analyzing the data, using relatively small sets of data. In this book, new methods of direct estimation are introduced and analyzed that are appropriate for an era of big sets of data and sequences genomes. These direct methods of estimation are based on taking conditional expectations rather the methods of least squares that characterize many applications of the general linear model of statistics.

This book provides state-of-the-art information on gene essentiality screenings in a wide variety of organisms, i.e. screening for protein-coding genes and other genomic elements that are required by an organism to survive under specific conditions. With a focus on the two techniques that have revolutionized the field, the collection begins with chapters employing CRISPR/Cas9-based approaches followed by Tn-seq-based approaches, but later chapters also delve into other techniques for exploring essential genes, such as bioinformatics methods. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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. Comprehensive and authoritative, Essential Genes and Genomes: Methods and Protocols is an ideal guide for researchers attempting to strip genetics down to its fundamentals.

This new edition brings together some of the latest developments and protocols reflecting the rapidity with which bioreactor technologies are advancing and being applied. Given that the use of bioreactors in cell biology is becoming more commonplace as attempts are made to scale-up production of various types of cells for regenerative medicine and pharmaceutical purposes, this volume provides practical guidance for navigating research projects. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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 cutting-edge, Bioreactors in Stem Cell Biology: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition will benefit both established investigators and newcomers to this dynamic area of study.

Allergic diseases are complex and involve a range of environmental factors interacting with a susceptible genotype. The familial clustering of diseases, such as asthma and hay fever, has been recognised for over two centuries, but identification of the genetic basis to this had to await the molecular biological revolution. Estimates of the contribution that genetic factors make to asthma susceptibility range from 35% to 70%. For the majority of allergic diseases, segregation analysis has not identified a consistent Mendelian pattern of inheritance, which, when combined with multiple phenotypes and environmental interactions, has made identifying candidate genes especially difficult and, at times, controversial. Part of the difficulty has been lack of agreement over phenotype definitions, reduced power of studies to predict linkage and association, and, importantly, lack of true heterogeneity between populations. Despite these difficulties, the last decade has witnessed enormous progress in this field.

"Genome Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis" is a concise introduction to the subject, successfully bringing together these three key areas of research. Starting with a revision of molecular genetics the book offers clear explanations of the tools and techniques widely used in genome, transcriptome and proteome analysis. Subsequent chapters offer a broad overview of linkage maps, physical maps and genome sequencing, with a final discussion on the identification of genes responsible for disease.

An invaluable introduction to the basic concepts of the subject, this text offers the student an excellent overview of current research methods and applications and is a good starting point for those new to the area.A clear, concise introduction to the subject of modern genomic analysisA technology-oriented approach including the latest developments in the fieldInvaluable to those students taking courses in Bioinformatics, Human Genetics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Phylogenomics: A Primer, Second Edition is for advanced undergraduate and graduate biology students studying molecular biology, comparative biology, evolution, genomics, and biodiversity. This book explains the essential concepts underlying the storage and manipulation of genomics level data, construction of phylogenetic trees, population genetics, natural selection, the tree of life, DNA barcoding, and metagenomics. The inclusion of problem-solving exercises in each chapter provides students with a solid grasp of the important molecular and evolutionary questions facing modern biologists as well as the tools needed to answer them.

This volume contains 25 peer-reviewed papers based on the presentations at the 8th Annual International Workshop on Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (IBSB 2008) held at the Teikyo Hotel, Zeuten Lake, near Berlin, from June 9 to June 10, 2008. This workshop started in 2001 as an event for doctoral students and young researchers to present and discuss their research results and approaches in bioinformatics and systems biology. It is part of a collaborative educational program involving leading institutions and leaders committed to the following programs and partner institutions:

Boston (Gary Benson) Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, Boston University

Berlin (Herman-Georg Holzhtter) The International Research Training Group (IRTG) "Genomics and Systems Biology of Molecular Networks"

Kyoto/Tokyo (Minoru Kanehisa/Satoru Miyano) Joint Bioinformatics Education Program of Kyoto University and University of Tokyo.

This book details the statistical concepts used in gene mapping, first in the experimental context of crosses of inbred lines and then in outbred populations, primarily humans. It presents elementary principles of probability and statistics, which are implemented by computational tools based on the R programming language to simulate genetic experiments and evaluate statistical analyses. Each chapter contains exercises, both theoretical and computational, some routine and others that are more challenging. The R programming language is developed in the text.

Analytic metaphysics has recently discovered biology as a means of grounding metaphysical theories. This has resulted in long-standing metaphysical puzzles, such as the problems of personal identity and material constitution, being increasingly addressed by appeal to a biological understanding of identity. This development within metaphysics is in significant tension with the growing tendency amongst philosophers of biology to regard biological identity as a deep puzzle in its own right, especially following recent advances in our understanding of symbiosis, the evolution of multi-cellular organisms and the inherently dynamical character of living systems. Moreover, and building on these biological insights, the broadly substance ontological framework of metaphysical theories of biological identity appears problematic to a growing number of philosophers of biology who invoke process ontology instead. This volume addresses this tension, exploring to what extent it can be dissolved. For this purpose, the volume presents the first selection of essays exclusively focused on biological identity and written by experts in metaphysics, the philosophy of biology and biology. The resulting cross-disciplinary dialogue paves the way for a convincing account of biological identity that is both metaphysically constructive and scientifically informed, and will be of interest to metaphysicians, philosophers of biology and theoretical biologists.

Imaging and Tracking Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols gathers representative protocols related to the vital techniques of stem cell imaging and lineage tracing, including that of live cells, both in vivo and in vitro. The detailed chapters presented within have been validated for reproducibility and are described in an easy to follow, step-by-step fashion so as to be valuable for not only experts but also novices in the stem cell field. As with other volumes in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters conclude with a Notes section, which provides tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Imaging and Tracking Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols provides both a flavor of the field as it currently is and a source to stimulate new approaches and methodologies by those interested in tracking stem cells and their progeny.

Protein Interactions as Targets in Drug Discovery, Volume 121, is dedicated to the design of therapeutics, both experimental and computational, that target protein interactions. Chapters in this new release include Trends in structure based drug design with protein targets, From fragment- to peptide-protein interaction: addressing the structural basis of binding using Supervised Molecular Dynamics (SuMD), Protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions: identification of potential inhibitors through computational analysis, Aromatic-aromatic interactions in protein-drug and protein-protein interactions, Role of protein-protein interaction in allosteric drug design within the human methyltransferome, and much more.

Almost daily, new technologies are being presented that move the field of human pluripotent stem cell research towards a future that may yield highly-effective, personalized medical treatments. Three enabling technologies at hand for human PSCs are 1) directed reprogramming of somatic cells, which eliminate many of the ethical issues associated with the derivation and use of human PSCs, increase genetic diversity of the available human PSC lines, and give rise to better" in vitro" human disease models; 2) the discovery that a Rho-associated protein Kinase (ROCK) inhibitor allows for efficient single cell passaging and cryopreservation, increasing the efficiency and reliability of hPSC culture; and 3) defined, animal-component-free media, which lay the groundwork for simplified scale-up for therapeutic applications, differentiation protocols, and toxicology screens. The aforementioned technologies can be found in "Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols," a compilation of 33 detailed protocols in six categories of PSC research that cover laboratory essentials and the derivation of new PSC lines, including induced PSC lines, as well as their growth, maintenance, characterization, genetic manipulation, and differentiation. 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 accessible, "Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols" serves as an ideal guide to scientists conducting their own pluripotent cell research programs and makes great strides towards furthering human knowledge and, ultimately, improving the human condition.

ONE OF AMAZON'S TOP 100 BOOKS OF 2014 Neanderthal Man tells the story of geneticist Svante Paabo's mission to answer this question: what can we learn from the genomes of our closest evolutionary relatives? Beginning with the study of DNA in Egyptian mummies in the early 1980s and culminating in the sequencing of the Neanderthal genome in 2010, Neanderthal Man describes the events, intrigues, failures, and triumphs of these scientifically rich years through the lens of the pioneer and inventor of the field of ancient DNA. We learn that Neanderthal genes offer a unique window into the lives of our hominid relatives and may hold the key to unlocking the mystery of why humans survived while Neanderthals went extinct. Paabo's findings have not only redrawn our family tree, but recast the fundamentals of human history,the biological beginnings of fully modern Homo sapiens , the direct ancestors of all people alive today.

Analyzing high-dimensional gene expression and DNA methylation data with R is the first practical book that shows a ``pipeline" of analytical methods with concrete examples starting from raw gene expression and DNA methylation data at the genome scale. Methods on quality control, data pre-processing, data mining, and further assessments are presented in the book, and R programs based on simulated data and real data are included. Codes with example data are all reproducible. Features: * Provides a sequence of analytical tools for genome-scale gene expression data and DNA methylation data, starting from quality control and pre-processing of raw genome-scale data. * Organized by a parallel presentation with explanation on statistical methods and corresponding R packages/functions in quality control, pre-processing, and data analyses (e.g., clustering and networks). * Includes source codes with simulated and real data to reproduce the results. Readers are expected to gain the ability to independently analyze genome-scaled expression and methylation data and detect potential biomarkers. This book is ideal for students majoring in statistics, biostatistics, and bioinformatics and researchers with an interest in high dimensional genetic and epigenetic studies.

This book uniquely presents conceptual understanding as well as advancements in the field of endocrinology. It emphasizes the harmonization between the function and the structure of different endocrine glands in the body. The book's initial chapters introduce hormones' biological synthesis, structure, function, and signaling pathways. The subsequent chapters examine the functional relationship between hypothalamus and pituitary gland and its leading and regulating roles on other endocrine and non- endocrine organs. A separate chapter discusses the synergistic functions of adrenal glands and pineal gland in the circadian rhythm and analyze the role of corticoids in carbohydrate and mineral metabolism. Furthermore, the book addresses the role of growth hormones, prolactin, gonads regulating hormones, adrenocorticotropin, thyroid hormones, parathormone, gluco- and mineral corticoids, insulin and glucagon, Physiology of bone remodeling is presented with the role of parathyroid glands, C cells and vitamin D explaining the bone as an endocrine organ. The regulation of male and female reproductive functions is represented well. Lastly, the book reviews the novel endocrine role and metabolic aspects of adipose tissue as an endocrine tissue and its relationship to inflammatory diseases, insulin resistance and many metabolic disorders. The book introduces key parts for endocrine's stem cell in each gland is discussed in term of its survival, proliferation, migration, homing, differentiation and its regeneration and remodeling roles.

Some of the brightest minds in criminology who were nurtured on the strictly environmentalist paradigm of the 20th century have declared that biosocial criminology is the paradigm for the 21st century. This book attempts to unite this ever-growing field with the premier neurobiological theory of personality, otherwise known as reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST). Anthony Walsh places the highly variable number of biosocial approaches under a single theoretical umbrella, whilst providing a unique integrative framework. As the leading neurobiological theory of personality and behavior in psychology today, RST focuses around the age-old question of how naturally selfish social animals can achieve their wants and needs without alienating others in their social groups. RST posits that evolution has built into humans three interacting systems: the behavioral approach system; the behavioral inhibition system; and the fight/flight/freeze system. RST identifies the neurobiological and genetic functions underlying each system and has found a cascade of supporting evidence. Throwing new light on many areas of concern to criminologists, such as psychopathy, violence, ADHD, and schizophrenia, this book will be of interest to scholars and upper-level students in the field. Additional features such as Focus Boxes and diagrams delve into measurement techniques and brain areas.

This book encompasses the proceedings of a conference held at Trinity College, Oxford on September 21-25, 1985 organized by a committee comprised of Drs. M. Crumpton, M. Feldmann, A. McMichael, and E. Simpson, and advised by many friends and colleagues. The immune response gene workshops that took place were based on the need to understand why certain experimental animal strains were high responders and others were low responders. It was assumed that identification of the immune response (Ir) genes and definition of their products would explain high and low responder status. Research in the ensuing years has identified the Ir gene products involved in antibody responses as the la antigens, or MHC Class II antigens. These proteins are now well defined as members of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, and their domain structure is known. Epitopes have been defined by multiple mono clonal antibodies and regions of hypervariability identified. Their genes have been identified and cloned. The basic observation of high and low responsive ness to antigen is still not understood in mechanistic terms, however, at either the cellular or molecular level. This is because the rate of progress in immune regulation has been far slower than in the molecular biology of the MHC Class II antigens. This is not surprising, since immune regulation is a very complex field at the crossroads of many disciplines."

Understanding mechanisms of gene regulation that are independent of the DNA sequence itself - epigenetics - has the potential to overthrow long-held views on central topics in biology, such as the biology of disease or the evolution of species. High throughput technologies reveal epigenetic mechanisms at a genome-wide level, giving rise to epigenomics as a new discipline with a distinct set of research questions and methods. Leading experts from academia, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries explain the role of epigenomics in a wide range of contexts, covering basic chromatin biology, imprinting at a genome-wide level, and epigenomics in disease biology and epidemiology. Details on assays and sequencing technology serve as an up-to-date overview of the available technological tool kit. A reliable guide for newcomers to the field as well as experienced scientists, this is a unique resource for anyone interested in applying the power of twenty-first-century genomics to epigenetic studies.

Large-scale, interoperable biobanks are an increasingly important asset in today's life science research and, as a result, multiple types of biobanks are being established around the globe with very different financial, organizational and legal set-ups. With interdisciplinary chapters written by lawyers, sociologists, doctors and biobank practitioners, Global Genes, Local Concerns identifies and discusses the most pressing issues in contemporary biobanking. This timely book addresses pressing questions such as: how do national biobanks best contribute to translational research?; What are the opportunities and challenges that current regulations present for translational use of biobanks?; How does inter-biobank coordination and collaboration occur on various levels?; and how could academic and industrial exploitation, ownership and IPR issues be addressed and facilitated? Identifying that biobanks foundational and operational set-ups should be legally and ethically sound, while at the same time reflecting the hopes and concerns of all the involved stakeholders, this book contributes to the continued development of international biobanking by highlighting and analysing the complexities in this important area of research. Academics in the fields of law and ethics, health law and biomedical law, as well as biobank managers and policymakers will find this insightful book a stimulating and engaging read. Contributors include: T. Bossow, T.A. Caulfield, B.J. Clark, A. Hellstadius, J.R. Herrmann, K. Hoyer, M. Jordan, J. Kaye, N.C.H. Kongsholm, K. Liddell, J. Liddicoat, M.J. Madison, T. Minssen, B. Murdoch, W. Nicholson Price II, E. Ortega-Paino, M. Prictor, M.B. Rasmussen, K. Sargsyan, J. Schovsbo, A.M. Tupasela, E. van Zimmeren, F. Vogl, H. Yu, P.K. Yu

Genetics mapping, physical mapping and DNA sequencing are the three key components of the human and other genome projects. Statistics, mathematics and computing play important roles in all three, as well as in the uses to which the mapping and sequencing data are put. This volume edited by key researchers Mike Waterman and Terry Speed reviews recent progress in the area, with an emphasis on the theory and application of genetic mapping.

The ONLY textbook available on marine mammal physiology, a core topic in Marine Science undergrad teaching Builds on the unique overall theme 'How would you design a marine mammal?' which focuses on what an undergrad student would actually want to know. What would they ask? So rather than "What are the biochemical differences between marine and terrestrial mammals?" the book addresses "How can marine mammals dive for such a long time?" or "How do they stay warm in such cold water?" Organises the Table of Contents into common 'real' student questions. The book thus centres around the point of view of the student. This makes it accessible and student-focused. Consistency across all chapters Provides consistent Power Point slides that teachers can use when they don't know the field well AND that students can use as study guides. Offers Study Questions and future thinking/implications questions. A Driving Question for each chapter is highlighted in a box. A concluding chapter ties up loose ends and consolidates the driving questions from the individual chapters. Contains the contributions of well-respected, prominent scientists in the field. Author bios for each chapter showcase diversity in contributor pool. Focuses on physiological adaptations of marine mammals and connects them with the ecological context, including anthropogenic impacts. Discusses differences that might exist by type of marine mammal, development questions, and behavioral issues.

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. This book provides a practical and self-contained overview of the Gene Ontology (GO), the leading project to organize biological knowledge on genes and their products across genomic resources. Written for biologists and bioinformaticians, it covers the state-of-the-art of how GO annotations are made, how they are evaluated, and what sort of analyses can and cannot be done with the GO. In the spirit of the Methods in Molecular Biology book series, there is an emphasis throughout the chapters on providing practical guidance and troubleshooting advice. Authoritative and accessible, The Gene Ontology Handbook serves non-experts as well as seasoned GO users as a thorough guide to this powerful knowledge system.

When examined carefully at the molecular level, the chromosome turns out to have created its own private world full of tricks, back door exits and novel solutions. This "folly" makes it an untamed innovator. Geneticists have been bewildered for decades. What kind of creature was actually the chromosome? Was it plastic, changing by innumerous rearrangements and mutations all the time; or was it a rigid structure which has preserved its basic organisation and functions since the dawn of the cell? It is this conflicting state that seems to be at the base of its "folly". Perplexed by this behavior, cell biologists have called it a junkyard and even the ultimate parasite. Moreover, the chromosome has been regarded as a passive cell organelle prone to random mutations and subjected to the mercy of selection.The latest molecular information discloses a radically different picture in which the chromosome appears as an independent molecular structure that follows its own path. It does not obey gravity, randomness, selection or magnetism.By anchoring the chromosome's contradictory behavior on molecular processes directed by atomic self-assembly, Lima-de-Faria expands a novel view of the chromosome with unexpected implications for genetics, evolution and physics.This timely book contains the latest information on the molecular organization of the chromosome. The information is original and is presented in an unorthodox way, while carefully chosen elucidating and attractive figures serve to add clarity to the subject treated. Thus, the book will add greatly to the general debate on the evolution of living organisms, and will be of particular interest to those in the biotechnological field.