Biotechnology will undoubtedly be the major technology of the twenty-first century. It concerns the practical application of biological organisms or their various components to the benefit of humankind, and spans a multitude of modern and traditional industries. The rise of genetic engineering, genomics, proteomics and the creation of transgenic crops and animals has revolutionised activities as varied as brewing beer, the treatment of sewage and wastewater, to drug development and agriculture. In this expanded fourth edition of his popular textbook, John Smith once again demystifies biotechnology, and especially genetic manipulation, clearly and accessibly explaining the history, techniques, and applications of modern biotechnology for students and the general reader. All aspects of biotechnology are covered and a positive stance is taken concerning the potential benefits to human society. In this edition, greater emphasis is given to the public perception of biotechnology and the ethical and safety questions raised.

Conservation by Clive Hambler is the latest addition to the popular Studies in Biology series of undergraduate textbooks. The book gives an overview of all aspects of this rapidly changing and controversial field. With the decline of species and our encroachment of natural habitats, conservation is becoming increasingly in the public eye. Maintaining the diversity of life on this planet and using our natural resources in a sustainable manner is important to protect the options of future generations. An understanding of conservation biology is essential to debates and action on the environment. As with all books in the series, Conservation will act as an aid to learning, and to field work. It is meant to be used as an introductory text and as a study aid for examinations.

Des Nicholl presents here a new, fully revised, and expanded edition of his popular undergraduate-level textbook. Many of the features of the original edition have been retained; the book still offers a concise technical introduction to the subject of genetic engineering. However, the book is now divided into three main sections: the first introduces students to basic molecular biology, the second section explains the methods used to manipulate genes, and the third deals with modern applications of genetic engineering. A whole chapter is now devoted to the polymerase chain reaction. Applications covered in the book include genomics, protein engineering, gene therapy, cloning, and transgenic animals and plants. A final chapter discusses the ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering in general. An Introduction to Genetic Engineering is essential reading for undergraduate students of biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry.

An understanding of the physiology and function of nerve and muscle is fundamental to our knowledge of how the human body and the bodies of other animals function. In the third edition of this highly readable and concise introductory textbook, the authors begin with a discussion of the nature of nerve impulses as electrical events. They go on to consider communication between nerve cells via synaptic transmission, and finally discuss the nature of muscular contraction, relating muscle cellular structure to contractile function. This is a subject that continues to generate exciting discoveries and this edition includes new material that reflects this, including some of the experimental evidence. The reader will find up-to-date detail of the molecular structure of ion channels and the molecular basis of muscular contraction. Nerve and Muscle is essential reading for all students taking university courses in neurobiology, physiology, cell biology and preclinical medicine.

Microbes play an important role in our everyday lives. As agents of infectious disease they cause untold human misery, yet their beneficial activities are manifold, ranging from the natural cycling of chemical elements through to the production of food, beverages and pharmaceuticals. In this introductory level text the authors provide a clear and accessible account of the interactions between microbes, their environment and other organisms, using examples of both beneficial and adverse activities. The book begins by considering beneficial activities, focusing on environmental microbiology and manufacturing, and then moves on to consider some of the more adverse aspects, particularly the myriad of diseases to which we are susceptible and the treatments currently in use. This book is the companion to Introductory Microbiology, also published in this series, and is essential reading for biological science and medical undergraduates, as well as being of interest to sixth form students and their teachers.

The authors present a basic and accessible introduction to the world of microbiology. In three sections, this book provides both a foundation and overview of the subject. In the first section, 'Microbial Structure and Mode of Life', the structure and functioning of fungi, bacteria and viruses are discussed (with particular attention being paid to their description and discussion of their reproduction and nutrition). The second section, 'Handling Microbes' introduces the methods used to culture, control and study these organisms in the laboratory. The final section covers the 'Isolation, Classification and Identification of Microbes'. This book is essential reading for anyone becoming interested in this subject, whether it be 6th form students, their teachers, or undergraduates.