Journal of Heredity 2003:94(2)
© 2003 The American Genetic Association 94:195-196
Book Review |
Genomic Technologies: Present and Future. Vol. 1, Functional Genomics Series
Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species Zoological Society of San Diego San Diego, CA 92112
D. J. Galas and S. J. McCormack, Editors
Caister Academic Press, Norfolk, UK. 2002. viii + 418 pp. $180.
Given the large number of books written within the last several years about the rapidly expanding area of genomics and its potential for answering basic questions and advancing clinical medicine, one might assume that an additional book at this time would not contribute significantly to the field. However, Genomic Technologies: Present and Future, the first part of a three-volume series on functional genomics, does so by describing the current technologies used to study the entire genome, and high throughput and large-scale experimental methodologies, as well as the newest technologies that are currently being developed.
This concise volume, which contains twelve chapters, covers a broad spectrum of technologies including (but not limited to) molecular cytogenetics, transgenics, tags and labels in high throughput analysis, MAGIChips, mass spectrophotometry, live cell assays, and automation and robotics. Each chapter, written by one or more investigators who have made contributions to their respective subjects, includes an abstract, introduction, and in-depth discussion of present and developing techniques for performing the basic technology, thus justifying the title of the volume. Although it focuses on technologies, this book is not a methods-and-protocols manual. While the chapters "Impact of Transgenic Technologies on Functional Genomics" and "Detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms" (ch. 4 and 8, respectively) contain text only, most chapters contain no more than three or four figures or tables as illustrative aids to the text. In contrast, the chapters "Present and Future Tags and Labels in High Throughput Genomic Analysis" and "Live Cell Assays: Tools for Functional Genomics" (ch. 5 and 9, respectively) make good use of figures and tables to help explain concepts described in the text. Each chapter, however, contains an extensive reference list, detailing some references published just several months prior to the release of the book, that will serve as a guide for those in need of specific protocols.
This volume provides an excellent description and discussion of specific technologies utilized in one of the most rapidly expanding areas of biology. Priced beyond the reach of most individuals, it will serve as a valuable resource volume in departmental or college libraries. For more information on specific chapter titles and authors, please visit www.caister.com.
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