Biotechnology from A to Z

by William Bains

Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198524986

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Book Description

Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing, most exciting, and most controversial areas of science and technology in the 21st Century, an industry worth billions and a political topic that has shaken governments.

This book provides a clear, practical, and illuminating guide to the ideas and terminology of Biotechnology

Biotechnology, one of the fastest growing and most exciting areas of science, is a complex combination of scientific disciplines beset by jargon and buzz words. Now fully updated to incorporate the most current terminology, this edition of Biotechnology From A to Z offers an illuminating and practical introduction to the ideas of biotechnology.

Starting from ADEPT (antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy) and finishing with zoonosis (infection by an organism that usually infects other species), and describing artificial tissues, extremophiles, nutraceuticals, prosthetics, and xenografts among many other topics along the way, this book provides a concise and readable overview of the field. Straightforward language and concrete examples are used to unravel the jargon for the non-specialist. This book is an essential, accessible guide to the science, the technology, and the real achievements of this fascinating and controversial industry.

From Book News, Inc.

An introductory guide to the ideas and terminology of biotechnology for non-specialists, using straightforward language and concrete examples to explain some 1,000 terms in slightly over 350 short entries, arranged alphabetically from Adenovirus to Yuk factor.

Customer Reviews

Biotechnology from A to Z, 2nd edition, by W. Bains With the current explosion of interest in biotechnology and the application of the basic techniques of genetic engineering to medicine, agriculture, forensics, environment, it is becoming increasingly difficult for any one person to stay abreast of all the applications. A handbook such as Bains' is invaluable in cutting straight to the point and providing the appropriate jargon for the particular discipline. Scientists, science writers, environmental activists, everyone will find this book an invaluable reference source. My favorite few pages go from Affinity Tag, Ageing, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, AIDS, to Airlift fermentor. All the entries are explained in clear concise English, with the just the right amount of cross-entries. As is appropriate for a biotechnology book, there are frequent practical examples. There is a good index and a list of books for further reading. It's a shame OUP couldn't have kept the internet address stable. This book is a definite good buy.

Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Bilkent University, Bilkent 06533, Ankara, Turkey