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.

DESMOND NICHOLL is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Paisley, Scotland