Plant molecular biology: A laboratory manual

BOOK REVIEW Plant Molecular Biology: A Laboratory Manual Edited by M. S. Clark, Springer- Verlag, Berlin, Heilelberg, New York; 1997; 519 pp., ISBN: 3-540-58405-6, DM120. 00/oS876.00/ Fr106. O0 (softcove r) There are a few molecular biology manuals aimed specifically at techniques for plants, and in my opin- ion this rates as one of the best. This book, which has very accessible format, is split into three main parts. Part I provides standard protocols with trouble shooting tips for general molecular techniques such as RNA isolation and DNA cloning. This provides a starting point for the uninitiated and whilst the basic protocol may not be suitable for every plant (in particular the gritty problem of extracting good quality and yield of RNA) the anthors do direct you to published methods which tackle specific problems. Having these fundamental protocols together means that the more experienced scientist can go straight to the chapters and methods of parcicular interest to them. Parts II and III are written in a similar style with a short introductory review of the subject, procedures and a trouble shooting guide. Part II deals mainly with ~ ~ m e the techniques for mapping plant genomes, the main emphasis on RFLPs which are still by far the most popular thod. The alternative PCR-based techniques are not ignored and particular emphasis is placed on RAPDs, which are proving an invaluable tool where the genome size of the plant limits the successful application RFLPs. The final part of this book (Part III) deals with the production and molecular characterization of transformed planta. This covers a range of transformation methods including Agrobacterium mediated delivery, biolistic delivery and protoplast fusion. Of all the above methods fusing protoplasts is the hardest to characterise and not suprisingly a large proportion of this section describes techniques for somatic hybrid characterization. The only criticism of this book is that for something to be referred to as often as the authors intended, it is a shame that the outer cover is so flimsy. That said, it is well worth investing in a book that is guaranteed not to gather dust on the shelf. Reviewed by Melissa Kirby Biologtcal Sciences Bristol Universi~, UK MO~CULRA BIOTECHNOLOGV 194 Volume 8, 1997

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Transcript of Plant molecular biology: A laboratory manual

BOOK REVIEW

Plant Molecular Biology: A Laboratory Manual

Edited by M. S. Clark, Springer- Verlag, Berlin, Heilelberg, New York; 1997; 519 pp., ISBN: 3-540-58405-6, DM120. 00/oS876.00/ Fr106. O0 (softcove r)

There are a few molecular biology manuals aimed specifically at techniques for plants, and in my opin- ion this rates as one of the best. This book, which has very accessible format, is split into three main parts. Part I provides standard protocols with trouble shooting tips for general molecular techniques such as RNA isolation and DNA cloning. This provides a starting point for the uninitiated and whilst the basic protocol may not be suitable for every plant (in particular the gritty problem of extracting good quality and yield of RNA) the anthors do direct you to published methods which tackle specific problems. Having these fundamental protocols together means that the more experienced scientist can go straight to the chapters and methods of parcicular interest to them.

Parts II and III are written in a similar style with a short introductory review of the subject, procedures and a trouble shooting guide. Part II deals mainly with

~ ~ m e the techniques for mapping plant genomes, the main emphasis on RFLPs

which are still by far the most popular thod. The alternative PCR-based techniques

are not ignored and particular emphasis is placed on RAPDs, which are proving an invaluable tool where the genome size of the plant limits the successful application RFLPs. The final part of this book (Part III) deals with the production and molecular characterization of transformed planta. This covers a range of transformation methods including Agrobacterium mediated delivery, biolistic delivery and protoplast fusion. Of all the above methods fusing protoplasts is the hardest to characterise and not suprisingly a large proportion of this section describes techniques for somatic hybrid characterization.

The only criticism of this book is that for something to be referred to as often as the authors intended, it is a shame that the outer cover is so flimsy. That said, it is well worth investing in a book that is guaranteed not to gather dust on the shelf.

Reviewed by Melissa Kirby

Biologtcal Sciences Bristol Universi~, UK

MO~CULRA BIOTECHNOLOGV 194 Volume 8, 1997