This book comprehensively explores the early evolution of life and the Archean environment. Topics include the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, variations in metabolisms, concepts of ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles (nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous), Archean geology and environments, and the widely accepted early evolutionary history of life. The text addresses controversies regarding early life and its environment, particularly the unusual microfossil assemblages from the 3.4 Ga Strelley Pool Formation and the 3.0 Ga Farrel Quartzite of Western Australia. Readers will get a fuller picture of the Archean world, and an appreciation of many still unresolved questions. Key Features Illustrated with figures visualizing ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles etc which are indispensable for understanding the Archean Earth. Includes tables arranging key words, definitions, and interpretations. Documents the Archean environment with photographic evidence and detailed descriptions the rocks, minerals and microfossils. Summarizes the latest field research. Details exciting unresolved questions for future study.

In October 2017, Nobel laureate Sydney Brenner (Physiology or Medicine, 2002) gave four lectures on the history of Molecular Biology, its impact on Neuroscience and the great scientific questions that lie ahead.Sydney Brenner has been at the centre of the development of molecular biology, being a key player in shaping the Laboratory for Molecular Biology in Cambridge into a cradle of research, where pioneering and seminal discoveries in the field for over half a century have resulted in more than half a dozen Nobel Prizes.His memory is a treasure trove of the history of the field with innumerable anecdotes on other leading scientists in the past 60 years. These lectures trace the history and recount some of those anecdotes. His interlocutor Terry Sejnowski is the Francis Crick professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Laboratory Head of its Computational Neurobiology Laboratory. Terry and Sydney are long-term collaborators and they share many stories and memories.The recorded lectures are the basis for this book. It aims to preserve the history of molecular biology and to also raise scientific questions that have resulted from the work of Sydney, Terry and others. It should be read by everybody who is interested in the generation, history and impact of great ideas as recounted by one of the legends of 20th century science.Published in collaboration with Institute Para Limes.

Studies of membrane transporters have had great impact on our und- standing human diseases and the design of effective drugs. About 30% of current clinically marketed drugs are targeting membrane transporters or channels. Membrane Transporters: Methods and Protocols provides various practical methodologies for the ongoing research on membrane transporters. To provide readers the most up-to-date information, several emerging fields and methodologies are embraced in this book, including pharmacogenomics, bioin-formatics, and microarray technology. Pharmacogenomics studies of membrane transporters are useful in drug discovery and in predicting drug responses in the clinic. In this volume, the current status of pharma- genomics studies of transporters is reviewed and research methodologies in this field are described. Transporter classification is important in studying the structure and function of membrane transporters and has thus triggered intensive interest in recent years. Membrane Transporters: Methods and Protocols provides a systematic classification of all transmembrane transport proteins found in living org- isms on Earth. This classification system will be helpful for further studies on various aspects of membrane transporters, especially for such large-scale gene expression studies as those employing microarray technologies. Bioinformatics is frequently used in transporter studies and has become indispensable for all kinds of research methods. Commonly used bio- formatics methods, such as databases and tools for sequence analysis and - tif studies, are explained in order to facilitate membrane transporters research. Because of heterogeneous sources and tremendous amounts of data, data in- gration has become one of the most important issues in transporter studies.

Lysosomes are key subcellular organelles that regulate the cell function. Many of the essential activities of the cell are dependent on lysosomes. Dysfunction is linked to multiple diseases - storage disorders, neurodegeneration, immunological diseases and cancer. This book discusses concepts and methods used to study lysosome ion and small molecule transport. The contents will not only attract accomplished investigators in need of a broad review and synthesis of this important subject but will also appeal to young investigators and trainees needing to acquire comprehensive knowledge and technical skills working with lysosomal ion channels and small molecule transporters. Key selling features: Summarizes the endocellular role that lysosomes play with respect to cellular waste disposal Reviews essential cellular functions of lysosomes Explores how lysosome dysfunction is the cause of many metabolic disorders Examines how lysomes are involved in storage diseases Describes various technologies and methods used in lysosome research

Nanomedicine, a scientific branch of nanotechnology that operates on the same scale as biology, offers the possibility of influencing the healing process from inside of the body by manipulating the matter at cellular or molecular levels. Throughout this book, current healing approaches based on this revolutionary new technology are summarized from a scientific assessment. The aim of the authors is to give, through select examples, a deep insight to nanotechnology status and the great progress that its rigorous application will bring to human health. The authors' commitment is to broaden the vision of health professionals who will eventually be the future users of this knowledge.

Explores how antiviral nanomaterials can be used in developing targeted drug delivery practices and enable pharmaceutical industries to reformulate available drugs on market Covers immunization, imaging, and drug delivery and features various case studies on managing viral diseases Addresses synthesis protocols and recent developments by performing physicochemistry on virion substrate, hybrid viral networks, and multilayered arrays thus enabling R&D experts to study and successfully instigate cutting-edge technologies unique to viruses Discusses current and near future applications of antiviral nanomaterials and their activity in drug delivery systems Describes the role of nanotechnology in prevention, detection, and treatment of COVID-19 Investigates the role of antiviral nanodrugs play in human and animal body systems and in major viral disease types.

Dancing Protein Clouds: Intrinsically Disordered Proteins in the Norm and Pathology, Part C, Volume 183 represents a set of selected studies on a variety of research topics related to intrinsically disordered proteins. Topics in this volume include discussions on the evolution of disorder, consideration of the peculiarities of phase separation of the prion protein, a general discussion of the relationships between intrinsic disorder and protein functions, coverage of the structural and functional characterization of several important intrinsically disordered proteins, such as transcription factors, outer membrane porins, trans-membrane and membrane associated proteins with ID regions, discussion of molecular simulations of IDPs, and much more.

Membrane proteins and membrane lipids form complex interactive systems that are highly dynamic and able to be studied only by combinations of different in vivo and in vitro techniques. In Membrane Biogenesis: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field present a broad collection of methods to study the biogenesis and function of cellular membranes. Beginning with how membrane lipids or membrane proteins can be studied, this detailed volume continues with sections covering different procedures to investigate the interaction of membrane proteins among each other or with membrane lipids, methods to study the biogenesis of membrane proteins and the dynamics of organelles, as well as protocols for the analyses of the functions or complex organization of membrane proteins. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Extensive and easily applicable, Membrane Biogenesis: Methods and Protocols provides readers with a comprehensive but still concise collection including both basic protocols of rather general application and more specialized methods for specific and novel techniques.

Provides the current state of the art of genome editing technologies used in basic and applied research. Bring the latest advances in CRISPR/Cas9 technologies for treating genetic diseases. Provides future prospects and directions for clinical research.

This volume covers the latest protocols designed to identify and characterize TEs in genomes, ancient or recently inserted. Additionally, this book includes a series of protocols designed to understand how host genomes act to regulate the activity of TEs, from elegant genetic mobilization assays to key biochemical methods. Finally, this book also includes chapters that describe how TEs can be used for biotechnological applications. Written for the 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 practical, Transposons and Retrotransposons: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

References 343 20. J. Zel: Micropropagation of Pinus sylvestris 347 1. Introduction 347 2. Micropropagation from embryos 347 3. Micropropagation from seedling explants 350 4. Conclusions 362 5. Summary 362 References 362 21. M. J. Hutzell and D. J. Durzan: Improved aseptic germination and controlled growth for micropropagation of Douglas fir 367 l. Introduction 367 2. Material and methods 367 3. Results and observations 369 4. Discussion 370 5. Summary 372 References 372 22. D. F. Karnosky, Y Huang and D. I. Shin: Micropropagation of Larix species and hybrids 373 1. Introduction 373 2. Micropropagation from juvenile tissues 373 3. Micropropagation from mature trees 376 4. Potential uses of and research needs for micropropagation 377 5. Summary 380 References 380 23. B. J. Nairn: Commercial micropropagation of radiata pine 383 1. Introduction 383 2. Protocols 386 3. Costs 392 4. Future aspects 393 5. Summary 393 References 394 24. P. S. Rao and T. R. Ganapathi: Micropropagation of palms 395 1. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. ) 395 2. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. ) 400 3. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq. ) 405 4. Summary 414 References 415 XI Section III. Tree improvement 423 25. W. J. Libby and M. R. Ahuja: Micropropagation and clonal options in forestry 425 1. Introduction 425 2. Definitions of micropropagation and clonal options 425 3. The selection of genotypes for micropropagation 426 4. The testing of micropropagated clones 427 5. The genetics of clones 429 6. Uses 433 7.

Systems-Level Modelling of Microbial Communities: Theory and Practice introduces various aspects of modelling microbial communities and presents a detailed overview of the computational methods which have been developed in this area. This book is aimed at researchers in the field of computational/systems biology as well as biologists/experimentalists studying microbial communities, who are keen on embracing the concepts of computational modelling. The primary focus of this book is on methods for modelling interactions between micro-organisms in a community, with special emphasis on constraint-based and network-based modelling techniques. A brief overview of population- and agent-based modelling is also presented. Lastly, it covers the experimental methods to understand microbial communities, and provides an outlook on how the field may evolve in the coming years.

Brings together recent innovations and practices of bio-based technologies for environmental Remediation Outlines major Bio-Based Technologies Contains both practical and theoretical latest and broad aspects of environment management through bio-based innovative technology.

Rho GTPases control many aspects of cell physiology. This includes polarity, endo/exocytosis, adhesion, motility, transcriptional activation, cell cycle progression or apoptosis. In view of such pleiotropic activities, Rho-controlled signaling has proven to be of medical relevance, especially in tumorigenesis, disease-associated bone remodeling and infectiology.This book is divided into three parts. Part 1 gives an evolutionary perspective of the Rho family, its atypical members, and an overview of how Rho activity is regulated. Part 2 addresses two important aspects of multicellularity controlled by Rho-dependent pathways, namely, cell-cell interactions and mechanotransduction. It also describes how post-translational modifications control Rho activity and how this is exploited by pathogenic bacteria. Part 3 explores several examples of the variety of pathophysiological processes controlled by Rho signaling, and gives a successful example of translational research, from the inhibition of Rho activation to the development of new molecules against osteoporosis.This updated review on the biology of Rho GTPases is an essential read for molecular and cell biologists. It is also an invaluable guide to post-graduate and medical students who wish to deepen their knowledge in cell biology.

Evolution is the single unifying principle of biology and core to everything in the life sciences. More than a century of work by scientists from across the biological spectrum has produced a detailed history of life across the phyla and explained the mechanisms by which new species form. This textbook covers both this history and the mechanisms of speciation; it also aims to provide students with the background needed to read the research literature on evolution. Students will therefore learn about cladistics, molecular phylogenies, the molecular-genetical basis of evolutionary change including the important role of protein networks, symbionts and holobionts, together with the core principles of developmental biology. The book also includes introductory appendices that provide background knowledge on, for example, the diversity of life today, fossils, the geology of Earth and the history of evolutionary thought. Key Features Summarizes the origins of life and the evolution of the eukaryotic cell and of Urbilateria, the last common ancestor of invertebrates and vertebrates. Reviews the history of life across the phyla based on the fossil record and computational phylogenetics. Explains evo-devo and the generation of anatomical novelties. Illustrates the roles of small populations, genetic drift, mutation and selection in speciation. Documents human evolution using the fossil record and evidence of dispersal across the world leading to the emergence of modern humans.

We have surpassed the omics era and are truly in the Age of Molecular Therapeutics. The fast-paced development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, such as the mRNA vaccines encoding the viral spike protein, demonstrated the need for and capability of molecular therapy and nanotechnology-based solutions for drug delivery. In record speed, the SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA genome was sequenced and shared with the scientific community, allowing the rapid design of molecular therapeutics. The mRNA vaccines exploit the host cell endoplasmic reticulum to produce viral spike proteins for antigen presentation and recognition by the innate and adaptive immune system. Lipid nanoparticles enable the delivery of the fragile, degradation-sensitive nucleic acid payloads. Molecular-based therapeutics and nanotechnology solutions continue to drive the scientific and medical response to the COVID-19 pandemic as new mRNA, DNA, and protein-based vaccines are developed and approved and the emergency use approved vaccines are rapidly manufactured and distributed throughout the globe. The need for molecular therapies and drug delivery solutions is clear, and as these therapies progress and become more specialized there will be important advancements in organelle targeting. For example, using organelle targeting to direct lipid nanoparticles with mRNA payloads to the endoplasmic reticulum would increase the efficacy of mRNA vaccines, reducing the required dose and therefore the biomanufacturing demand. Likewise, improving the delivery of DNA therapeutics to the nucleus would improve efficacy. Organelles and molecules have always been drug targets, but until recently we have not had the tools or capability to design and develop such highly specific therapeutics. Organelle targeting has far-reaching implications. For example, mitochondria are central to both energy production and intrinsic apoptosis. Effectively targeting and manipulating mitochondria has therapeutic applications for diseases such as myopathies, cancer, neurodegeneration, progerias, diabetes, and the natural aging process. The SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that exploit the endoplasmic reticulum (for mRNA vaccines) and the nucleic translational process (DNA vaccines) attest to the need for organelle and molecular therapeutics. This book covers the status, demand, and future of organelle- and molecularly targeted therapeutics that are critical to the advancement of modern medicine. Organelle and molecular targeting is the drug design and drug delivery approach of today and the future; understanding this approach is essential for students, scientists, and clinicians contributing to modern medicine.

This volume provides complete coverage of the computational approaches currently used in Synthetic Biology. Chapters focus on computational methods and algorithms for the design of bio-components, insight on CAD programs, analysis techniques, and distributed systems. 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 practical, Computational Methods in Synthetic Biology serves as a guide to plan in silico the in vivo or in vitro construction of a variety of synthetic bio-circuits.

The Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) continues, as predicted, to be the predominant assay used in biomedical and agricultural research. While little has changed in the principles of the ELISAs used since the publication of The ELISA Guidebook, many technological advantages, including the increasing number of reagents available for exploitation and the larger spectrum of instruments to measure the coloured products of ELISAs, have greatly benefited the field. Other testing technologies using molecular techniques, predominantly the conventional and more and more often, real time PCR, are rapidly evolving to help diagnose and differentiate disease agents and identify substances present in exquisitely small amounts. The ELISA is still needed either alone in mass screening, such as serological assays, or used in tandem with molecular techniques to fully evaluate the molecular and antigenic nature of analytes.

John R. Crowther provides today s premier practical guide to the understanding and application of ELISA. This Edition enlarges on charting methods for assessing the indirect ELISA, ruggedness and robustness of tests, aspects of kit use and validation, and internal quality control and external quality management of data. The author describes each method in great detail to ensure experimental success and includes advice on equipment choice, maintenance, and calibration. Wherever possible, helpful written explanations are provided along with copious diagrams.

With its numerous worked examples, detailed instructions, and extensive illustrations, The ELISA Guidebook, Second Edition offers a powerful synthesis of all the basic concepts and practical experimental details investigators need to understand, develop, and apply ELISA methodology successfully in day-to-day basic and clinical research.

The over-riding premise for biotechnology in this book is bringing novel products to market to substantially advance patient care and disease mitigation. Biotechnology, over its relatively brief existence of 40 years, has experienced a mercurial growth. The vast educational need for biotechnology information in this rapidly burgeoning field is a basic rationale here. However a more prominent underpinning is that, bringing biotech products to market for patient care involves success in the following four areas of engagement simultaneously - scientific advances for healthcare technologies, novel and varied products for untreated diseases, regulatory authorities, and biotech companies. Features Comprehensive coverage of biotechnology science topics used in development and manufacturing Addresses all the scientific technologies within biotechnology responsible for products on the market and the pipeline Presents business issues such as marketing and sales of the products, as well as companies engaged, and how biotech business has evolved

Stresses the Potential Applications of Biosurfactants in Various Industries Environmental concerns and a demand for sustainable chemical production have become important issues in recent years. As a result, microbial biosurfactant-producing systems are gaining momentum as potential replacements for chemical surfactants. Biosurfactants: Production and Utilization-Processes, Technologies, and Economics explores the production, utilization, and industrial/economic use of biosurfactants in modern biotechnology. This book represents comprehensive material developed by contemporary experts in the field. Focusing on research and developments within the last 20 years, it highlights relevant changes in the industry. It provides a detailed account of the current applications of biosurfactants, considers the potential for further environmental, biological, and industrial applications, and concentrates on surfactants and organisms with possibilities for future use. Emphasizes Process Scale-Up and Commercialization Factoring in the industrial application of biosurfactant production based on renewable resources, the book determines how biosurfactants can enhance or replace the properties of chemically synthesized surface-active agents. It discusses moving beyond the laboratory scale of research and development and on to the industrial scale of commercial interest. The book consists of 17 chapters and features expert authors discussing topics that include: Understanding the regulatory processes controlling the production of biosurfactants Strategies for feasible commercial biosurfactant production Examples of cost analysis based on published information The viability of industrial applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals Patents for future trends Biosurfactants: Production and Utilization-Processes, Technologies, and Economics contains special sections devoted to the overview and evaluation of specific patents relating to biosurfactants, and methods for production of biosurfactants on a laboratory and industrial/commercial scale. It also presents novel and proven applications for biosurfactants from a number of biotechnology laboratories and research facilities around the world. In addition, it introduces the reader to a variety of real-world industry techniques readily applicable for practical use.

Thebookis intended to be a resource for students as well as scientists in education and for the general public to learn about proteomics and genomics. Chromosomes form the basis for our genetic heritage and are the code for protein synthesis. The Human Genome Map came out in 2002, and the Proteome Sequence Map is under currently being created by a global consortia initiative. Proteome and genome building blocks already form the basis of scientific research areas as well as large parts of the pharmaceutical and biomedical industry. The book initiative will provide the background to and our current understanding of these gene and protein areas, as well as describe how cutting-edge science is using these resources to develop new medicines and new diagnostics for patient care and treatment. The book will be useful for undergraduate students as well as university students and researchers who need a good understanding of genomics and proteomics within the clinical field. The book will also be targeted at a broad public as well as readers not specialized within this field.

Dr. Marko-Varga is the head of the Head of Div. Clinical Protein Science & Imaging at the Biomedical Center, Dept. of Measurement Technology and Industrial Electrical Engineering, Lund University, and Professor at the 1st Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan."

One, No one, One Hundred Thousand - The Multifaceted Role of Macrophages in Health and Disease - Part A, provides in-depth reviews on the last progresses on the role of macrophages in health and diseases with a special focus on the role of macrophages in SARS-COV2, breast cancer, liver and salivary glands.

Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), which maps the genome-wide localization patterns of transcription factors and epigenetic marks, is among the most widely used methods in molecular biology. Practical Guide to ChIP-seq Data Analysis will guide readers through the steps of ChIP-seq analysis: from quality control, through peak calling, to downstream analyses. It will help experimental biologists to design their ChIP-seq experiments with the analysis in mind, and to perform the basic analysis steps themselves. It also aims to support bioinformaticians to understand how the data is generated, what the sources of biases are, and which methods are appropriate for different analyses.

A DNA barcode in its simplest definition is one or more short gene sequences taken from a standardized portion of the genome that is used to identify species through reference to DNA sequence libraries or databases. In DNA Barcodes: Methods and Protocols expert researchers in the field detail many of the methods which are now commonly used with DNA barcodes. These methods include the latest information on techniques for generating, applying, and analyzing DNA barcodes across the Tree of Life including animals, fungi, protists, algae, and plants. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, the chapters include the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results in the laboratory. Thorough and intuitive, DNA Barcodes: Methods and Protocols aids scientists in continuing to study methods from wet-lab protocols, statistical, and ecological analyses along with guides to future, large-scale collections campaigns.

Documents the utility of Next Generation Sequencing and RNAseq to a wide array of aquatic environmental and physiological issues as well as to human health. Provides insights into the ways transcriptomics of aquatic animals and fish ecology can contribute to the understanding of human diseases Gives an account of the evolution of the techniques used to determine the transcriptome in crustacean aquaculture. Describes the mechanisms of genetic interaction between different pathogens and the human host and their effects modifying gene expression levels. Intended for undergraduate and graduate students interested in subjects related to physiology of aquatic animals, aquaculture, ecology and phylogeny of fishes, and human health.