In recent years a new field of study has arisen called developmental biology. The term developmental biology is really a new name for embryology; it is, however, used to denote the molecular approach to the study of developing systems. In this book we have tried wherever possible to blend the older information of classical embryology and in particular organogeny with the newer concepts of developmental biology. The original intention was to cover all the tissues of the body in this book. However, it soon became obvious that it was not possible to do this within one volume. Therefore we decided to have two general chapters, one on the basic concepts of cellular development and an other on the ageing of cells (this being considered part of the normal growth process). In addition to these two general chapters we have included chapters on some of the major tissues. These were chosen not just to illustrate the points made in the general chapters but because there is enough information available on the development of these tissues for the expert in that field to present a good, readable account. It is hoped that at a later date when more information is available, we will be able to extend this work, probably as several volumes, and to include the other tissues of the body which are not dealt with in this volume.

The techniques of molecular biology offer a powerful means of investigating and controlling the genetic basis of mechanisms operating in living organisms. The development of these techniques in aquatic animals has now reached the stage where important questions relating to growth, development and adaptation to the environment can be addressed at the level of gene expression, and the introduction and expression of novel genes achieved. This volume presents some of the most exciting advances in this rapidly expanding area, with contributions on the evolution of adaptation to low temperature, adaptation to short-term fluctuations in temperature and salinity, gene expression during growth and development, myosin polymorphism and the generation of transgenic fish. As such, it will be of interest to all those working in the fields of marine and freshwater biology and also to those working in aquaculture.

The techniques of molecular biology offer a powerful means of investigating and controlling the genetic basis of mechanisms operating in living organisms. The development of these techniques in aquatic animals has now reached the stage where important questions relating to growth, development and adaptation to the environment can be addressed at the level of gene expression, and the introduction and expression of novel genes achieved. This volume presents some of the most exciting advances in this rapidly expanding area, with contributions on the evolution of adaptation to low temperature, adaptation to short-term fluctuations in temperature and salinity, gene expression during growth and development, myosin polymorphism and the generation of transgenic fish. As such, it should be of interest to all those working in the fields of marine and freshwater biology and also to those working in aquaculture.