Advanced Genetic Analysis

* Uses established principles of genetics as methods to analyze larger problems in biology, so beginning where most genetics books leave off. * Illustrates the concept of key analytical tools with carefully selected examples from a range of model organisms, and encourages the reader to look beyond the examples to see how these tools apply to a wide range of biological problems. * Text boxes and extended case studies take coverage to a new level, allowing the reader to really get to grips with how we use genetic tools to understand biological systems. * The latest, most powerful tools are covered for the first time in a textbook, giving insights into the exploration of gene networks and gene interactions. * Full colour art complements the lively, engaging text to help the reader grasp the concepts being discussed. * The Online Resource Centre features additional materials for both instructors and students, adding to the value of the text as a teaching and learning tool. How can we explore gene expression in time and space? How do we know what role a particular gene has? How do some genes control the expression of others? How do genes interact to form gene networks? Advanced Genetic Analysis probes fascinating questions such as these by asking "How can the principles of genetics be used as analytical tools to solve biological problems?" With its unique integration of genetics and molecular biology, Advanced Genetic Analysis provides a broad survey of how our understanding of key genetic phenomena can be used to understand biological systems. Opening with a brief overview of key genetic principles and model organisms, the book goes on to explore the use of gene mutations and the analysis of gene expression and activity, before considering the interaction of genes during suppression and epistasis, and how we study gene networks. Drawing on the latest experimental tools, including microarrays, RNAi, and bioinformatics approaches, Advanced Genetic Analysis provides a state-of-the-art review of the field, but in a truly student-friendly manner. It uses extended case studies and text boxes to augment the narrative, taking the reader right to the forefront of contemporary research without losing clarity of explanation and insight. We are in an age where, despite knowing so much about biological systems, we are just beginning to realise how much more there is still to understand. Advanced Genetic Analysis is the ideal guide to how we can use the awesome power of molecular genetics to further our understanding. Online Resource Centre The Online Resource Centre to accompany Advanced Genetic Analysis features the following resources for instructors and students. For instructors: Figures from the book in electronic format, ready to download. Journal club: suggested papers and discussion questions linked to topics covered in the book. For students: Hyperlinked bibliography, giving quicker access to literature related to the text. Guided tours of key websites, with associated tutorials/activities. Topical updates: key updates on topics or tools presented in the book, to keep you up-to-date with latest developments in the field. Philip Meneely , Department of Biology, Haverford College, PA, USA "'It is refreshing to see the focus move away from the detail of molecular mechanism towards understanding and scientific investigation' The Society for General Microbiology" "'Philip Meneely makes a concerted effort to tie the key concepts derived from model systems to an understanding of human medical genetics, which works well and will be appreciated by students.' The Society for General Microbiolo gy" "I enjoyed reading this chapter with its wonderful analogies...The author is gifted in writing in such a way that the reader will understand difficult concepts." - Helena Kuivaniemi, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, USA CONTENTS Unit 1 Genes and Genomes 1: The logic of genetic analysis 2: Model organisms and their genomes Unit 2 Genes and Mutants 3: Identifying mutants 4: Classifying mutants 5: Connecting a phenotype to a DNA sequence 6: Finding mutant phenotypes for cloned genes 7: Genome-wide mutant screens Unit 3. Gene Activity 8: Molecular analysis of gene expression 9: Analysis of gene activity using mutants Unit 4. Gene Interactions 10: Using one gene to find more genes 11: Epistasis and genetic pathways 12: Pathways, networks, and systems