Books in the Practical Approach Series series

This book is one of four which together are considerably updated and totally revised texts that arose out of the very successful "DNA Cloning, Volume I-IV" books in the Practical Approach series. This particular book describes all the necessary background and detailed laboratory methods for the core techniques used in every molecular biology laboratory.

Neurochemistry is the study of the cellular and subcellular components of the nervous system and the molecules found within it. This volume contains the core elements of neurochemistry that should be useful to both first time researchers and established investigators in all fields of neuroscience.

Part of a four-volume set on DNA cloning, this volume covers the main expression systems in current use. It provides background information and advice on the merits of each, step-by-step practical protocols, and details of the latest applications.

Proteolytic enzymes break peptide bonds. As well as being involved in a multitude of important physiological processes, they are also important research tools. The focus of this book is on the practical aspects of the handling, characterization, inhibition, and use of this diverse class of enzymes.

Protein Structure: A Practical Approach, 2nd edition, gives general methods for determining protein structure, from the electrophoretic, chromatographic, and spectrophotometric techniques to the methods of mass spectrometry and ultracentrifugation.

This book is an up-to-date and unique collection of experimental protocols from an area of pharmaceutical research that is essential for the development of new, highly specific drugs as well as for the exploration of completely new therapeutic approaches to disease treatments.

Enzyme assays are among the most frequently performed procedures in biochemistry, routinely used (for example) to estimate the amount of enzyme present in a cell or tissue. This new edition describes the design and execution of enzyme assays, covering both general principles and specific examples.

The involvement of carbohydrates in biological processes has greatly fuelled the current interest in this diverse range of molecules. This book presents the up-to-date techniques required to analyse a wide variety of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-containing molecules.

Plant cell culture techniques are being increasingly used in basic research and for plant exploitation in industry (genetic engineering, micropropagation). In this book, internationally recognized experts describe the techniques in use in their laboratories for isolating and manipulating cell cultures, and their central importance in plant biotechnology.

This book is a guide for the newcomer to all those areas which are currently basic to the performance of animal (including human) cell culture. Experienced workers should also find it useful as a source of reference when entering a new field, or when setting up a new laboratory.

X-ray crystallography is the major method of determining biological structures yet the procedures involved in obtaining the required crystals are still seen as something of a black art by many molecular biologists. As with the previous edition this book will dispel this idea by providing a detailed and rational guide to obtaining crystals or proteins and nucleic acids for diffraction studies.

Gene targeting is the introduction of genomic DNA into a specific location on the host genome. It is used to make a variety of specific mutations so the phenotypic consequences of specific genetic modifications can be studied.

Animal cell culture is an essential feature of most biological and medical research. This volume provides all those who use cell culture with advice, information, and above all practical guidance on methods. A copy of the third edition of Animal Cell Culture should be available in every laboratory.

Spectrophotometry and Spectrofluorimetry: A Practical Approach Second Edition describes the theory and practical applications of many analytical techniques based upon the light absorbing properties of molecules. Practical advice is given, from experts in the different topics, together with lists of useful literature.

Understanding how the body uses specialised immune cells called lymphocytes in fighting both infections and tumours has been central to designing new strategies for vaccines and immunotheraphy. This book provides practical advice for scientists embarking on the study of lymphocytes in the laboratory, and introduces several new techniques that have revolutionised this field.

This book helps the research scientist to understand what is involved in the use of radioactive compounds and provides protocols for their use. Advice on legislation, guidance on safe handling and detailed recipes are provided.

Cytogenetics is concerned with matching inherited traits with the appearance, structure, and behaviour of chromosomes. Human Cytogenetics: Constitutional Analysis covers all aspects of basic human cytogenetic study other than malignancies and acquired abnormalities. They are covered in a separate volume.

Acquired chromosome abnormalities are associated with cancer and leukaemia, exposure to some chemicals and radiation and some rare diseases. This volume is a laboratory manual of techniques for the cytogenetic study of these disorders.

This title covers a range of methods for working on living cells, including the application of fluorescent probes, cytometry, expression systems, the use of green fluorescent protein, micromanipulation and electrophysiological techniques.

A collection of methods and techniques covering the setting up and use of fermentation units in academic research and industrial laboratories. The emphasis is on the breath of usage of small-scale fermenters and the interdisciplinary nature of fermentation itself. Topics covered include fermentation, modelling, sterilization and instrumentation.

The zebrafish has become an important model organism to study biologial processes in vivo. Among the topics discussed in this book are technical advances which allow the rapid testing of in vivo function of as yet uncharacterized genes in zebrafish in large numbers and at a great speed.

Medical virology has undergone a revolution of diagnostic and scientific approaches through the advent of molecular biological techniques. This is reflected in the topics collected in this volume, which present classical and molecular techniques currently used for the diagnosis of viral infections.