Biotechnology from A to Z / Edition 3

by William Bains

Overview

This book provides a clear, practical, and illuminating guide to the ideas and terminology of Biotechnology. 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. It has already produced scientific achievements, from cloning to sequencing the genome, which would have seemed miraculous 20 years ago, and an industry with thousands of companies spanning the world. But this is based on a set of scientific disciplines with their own jargon, ideas, and limitations. This book describes those ideas and terms, and what they really mean for science, industry, and society. In 300 entries from ADEPT through cloning, genomes, patents, and viruses to zoonosis, A to Z provides over 300 concise entries describing what the science is, what it does, and the reality of how it has been used, and could be applied. It can be read cover to cover, or dipped into for a quick understanding of the topic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198524984
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/29/2004
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	424
Product dimensions:	9.36(w) x 6.22(h) x 0.87(d)

About the Author

Bains, William

Table of Contents

"How to use this book"

Editorial Reviews

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 250 short entries, arranged alphabetically from Adenovirus to Yuk factor. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

From reviews for the first edition: "A wonderfully lucid guide to an exciting but blindingly complex industry." —New Scientist

"An illuminating and practical introduction to the ideas and terminology of biotechnology. . . . An invaluable guide to the science, the technology and its real achievements and potential." —Biotech Products International

From the Publisher