Biotechnology Fundamentals and Applications
Contents: Preface. I. Fundamentals: 1. Molecular genetics. 2. Genetic engineering. 3. Transgenic technology. 4. Bioprocess technology. 5. Nanotechnology. II. Applications: 6. Agriculture. 7. Aquaculture. 8. Cryobiology. 9. Bioremediation. 10. Human medicine and pharmaceutical industry. Subject index.
From the Preface: "The aim of the book is to present the fundamentals and applications of biotechnology in a broad biological context. The text is divided into two parts: Part I deals with the basic principles and techniques employed in biotechnology while part II covers the commercial applications of biotechnology. In chapter 1 fundamentals of molecular genetics are covered while chapter 2 describes the techniques of genetic engineering (recombinant DNA technology) as well as chemical synthesis, sequencing and amplification of recombinant DNA. These two chapters act as a stepping-stone for the remainder of the book. In chapter 3, transgenic technology, wherein single functional gene or gene clusters transfer into the chromosomal DNA of higher organisms are discussed. This technology has many practical applications. For example, the product of injected gene stimulates growth faster and requires less feed.
Chapter 4 describes the methods of large-scale fermentation processes using recombinant microorganisms (bioprocess technology). Nanotechnology and nanoscience have wide potential application to revolutionize many areas of scientific fields and the same has been described in chapter 5. Agricultural scientists are engineering crop plant to carry genes with desirable traits such as resistance to pests or diseases or increasing the nutritional value of fruits or vegetables. These various applications of plant biotechnology are discussed in chapter 6. Aquaculture is an evolving technology for maximizing production of fish and shellfish in captivity. Manipulation of aquaculture species can have far reaching implications on development of food products. These are covered in chapter 7. Chapter 8 discusses the applications of biotechnology related to cryopreservation of gametes and development of gene bank. Cleaning up the pollution by way of bioremediation is covered in great details in chapter 9. The chapter 10 deals with the applications of biotechnology in human medicine and drug industry."
