Designed to inform and inspire the next generation of plant biotechnologists Plant Biotechnology and Genetics explores contemporary techniques and applications of plant biotechnology, illustrating the tremendous potential this technology has to change our world by improving the food supply. As an introductory text, its focus is on basic science and processes. It guides students from plant biology and genetics to breeding to principles and applications of plant biotechnology. Next, the text examines the critical issues of patents and intellectual property and then tackles the many controversies and consumer concerns over transgenic plants. The final chapter of the book provides an expert forecast of the future of plant biotechnology. Each chapter has been written by one or more leading practitioners in the field and then carefully edited to ensure thoroughness and consistency. The chapters are organized so that each one progressively builds upon the previous chapters. Questions set forth in each chapter help students deepen their understanding and facilitate classroom discussions. Inspirational autobiographical essays, written by pioneers and eminent scientists in the field today, are interspersed throughout the text. Authors explain how they became involved in the field and offer a personal perspective on their contributions and the future of the field. The text's accompanying CD-ROM offers full-color figures that can be used in classroom presentations with other teaching aids available online. This text is recommended for junior- and senior-level courses in plant biotechnology or plant genetics and for courses devoted to special topics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also an ideal reference for practitioners.
This book highlights current Cannabis research: its botany, authentication, biotechnology, in vitro propagation, chemistry, cannabinoids biosynthesis, metabolomics, genomics, biomass production, quality control, and pharmacology. Cannabis sativa L. (Family: Cannabaceae) is one of the oldest sources of fiber, food and medicine. This plant has been of interest to researchers, general public and media not only due to its medicinal properties but also the controversy surrounding its illicit use. Cannabis has a long history of medicinal use in the Middle East and Asia, being first introduced as a medicine in Western Europe in the early 19th century. Due to its numerous natural constituents, Cannabis is considered a chemically complex species. It contains a unique class of terpeno-phenolic compounds (cannabinoids or phytocannabinoids), which have been extensively studied since the discovery of the chemical structure of tetrah ydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), commonly known as THC, the main constituent responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. An additionally important cannabinoid of current interest is Cannabidiol (CBD). There has been a significant interest in CBD and CBD oil (extract of CBD rich Cannabis) over the last few years because of its reported activity as an antiepileptic agent, particularly its potential use in the treatment of intractable epilepsy in children.
Research on gene drive systems is rapidly advancing. Many proposed applications of gene drive research aim to solve environmental and public health challenges, including the reduction of poverty and the burden of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue, which disproportionately impact low and middle income countries. However, due to their intrinsic qualities of rapid spread and irreversibility, gene drive systems raise many questions with respect to their safety relative to public and environmental health. Because gene drive systems are designed to alter the environments we share in ways that will be hard to anticipate and impossible to completely roll back, questions about the ethics surrounding use of this research are complex and will require very careful exploration. Gene Drives on the Horizon outlines the state of knowledge relative to the science, ethics, public engagement, and risk assessment as they pertain to research directions of gene drive systems and governance of the research process. This report offers principles for responsible practices of gene drive research and related applications for use by investigators, their institutions, the research funders, and regulators.
This fourth edition of the best-selling textbook, Human Genetics and Genomics, clearly explains the key principles needed by medical and health sciences students, from the basis of molecular genetics, to clinical applications used in the treatment of both rare and common conditions. A newly expanded Part 1, Basic Principles of Human Genetics, focuses on introducing the reader to key concepts such as Mendelian principles, DNA replication and gene expression. Part 2, Genetics and Genomics in Medical Practice, uses case scenarios to help you engage with current genetic practice. Now featuring full-color diagrams, Human Genetics and Genomics has been rigorously updated to reflect today’s genetics teaching, and includes updated discussion of genetic risk assessment, “single gene” disorders and therapeutics. Key learning features include: Clinical snapshots to help relate science to practice 'Hot topics' boxes that focus on the latest developments in testing, assessment and treatment 'Ethical issues' boxes to prompt further thought and discussion on the implications of genetic developments 'Sources of information' boxes to assist with the practicalities of clinical research and information provision Self-assessment review questions in each chapter Accompanied by the Wiley E-Text digital edition (included in the price of the book), Human Genetics and Genomics is also fully supported by a suite of online resources at www.korfgenetics.com, including: Factsheets on 100 genetic disorders, ideal for study and exam preparation Interactive Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with feedback on all answers Links to online resources for further study Figures from the book available as PowerPoint slides, ideal for teaching purposes The perfect companion to the genetics component of both problem-based learning and integrated medical courses, Human Genetics and Genomics presents the ideal balance between the bio-molecular basis of genetics and clinical cases, and provides an invaluable overview for anyone wishing to engage with this fast-moving discipline.
This book provides an overview of the Ocimum genus from its genetic diversity to genome sequences, metabolites and their therapeutic utilities. Tulasi, Ocimum tenuiflorum, as a member of the family Lamiaceae, is a sacred plant in India. The plants of this genus Ocimum are collectively referred to as Basil and holy basil is worshipped in the Hindu religion. Basils are reservoirs of diverse terpenoids, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids, in addition to commercially important aromatic essential oils. In 2016, two working groups in India published the genome sequence in two different genotypes of Ocimum tenuiflorum. To help the readers understand the complexities of the genus and different chemotypes, this book accumulates all the available information on this medicinal plant including the genome. The complete knowledge may enable researchers to generate specific chemotypes in basil either through conventional breeding or development of transgenic lines. It also makes it possible to investigate the medicinal nature of holy basil compared to different species of the same genus.
Set at the intersection of political theory and environmental politics, yet with broad engagement across the environmental social sciences and humanities, The Oxford Handbook of Environmental Political Theory, defines, illustrates, and challenges the field of environmental political theory (EPT). Featuring contributions from distinguished political scientists working in this field, this volume addresses canonical theorists and contemporary environmental problems with a diversity of theoretical approaches. The initial volume focuses on EPT as a field of inquiry, engaging both traditions of political thought and the academy. In the second section, the handbook explores conceptualizations of nature and the environment, as well as the nature of political subjects, communities, and boundaries within our environments. A third section addresses the values that motivate environmental theorists--including justice, responsibility, rights, limits, and flourishing--and the potential conflicts that can emerge within, between, and against these ideals. The final section examines the primary structures that constrain or enable the achievement of environmental ends, as well as theorizations of environmental movements, citizenship, and the potential for on-going environmental action and change.
Plant Biotechnology presents a balanced, objective exploration of the technology behind genetic manipulation, and its application to the growth and cultivation of plants. The book describes the techniques underpinning genetic manipulation and makes extensive use of case studies to illustrate how this influential tool is used in practice.
PART I Molecular Biology 1. Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Definition, History and Scope 2. Chemistry of the Cell: 1. Micromolecules (Sugars, Fatty Acids, Amino Acids, Nucleotides and Lipids) Sugars (Carbohydrates) 3. Chemistry of the Cell . 2. Macromolecules (Nucleic Acids; Proteins and Polysaccharides) Covalent and Weak Non-covalent Bonds 4. Chemistry of the Gene: Synthesis, Modification and Repair of DNA DNA Replication: General Features 5. Organisation of Genetic Material 1. Packaging of DNA as Nucleosomes in Eukaryotes Techniques Leading to Nucleosome Discovery 6. Organization of Genetic Material 2. Repetitive and Unique DNA Sequences 7. Organization of Genetic Material: 3. Split Genes, Overlapping Genes, Pseudogenes and Cryptic Genes Split Genes or .Interrupted Genes 8. Multigene Families in Eukaryotes 9. Organization of Mitochondrial and Chloroplast Genomes 10. The Genetic Code 11. Protein Synthesis Apparatus Ribosome, Transfer RNA and Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases Ribosome 12. Expression of Gene . Protein Synthesis 1. Transcription in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes 13. Expression of Gene: Protein Synthesis: 2. RNA Processing (RNA Splicing, RNA Editing and Ribozymes) Polyadenylation of mRNA in Prokaryotes Addition of Cap (m7G) and Tail (Poly A) for mRNA in Eukaryotes 14. Expression of Gene: Protein Synthesis: 3. Synthesis and Transport of Proteins (Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes) Formation of Aminoacyl tRNA 15. Regulation of Gene Expression: 1. Operon Circuits in Bacteria and Other Prokaryotes 16. Regulation of Gene Expression . 2. Circuits for Lytic Cycle and Lysogeny in Bacteriophages 17. Regulation of Gene Expression 3. A Variety of Mechanisms in Eukaryotes (Including Cell Receptors and Cell Signalling) PART II Genetic Engineering 18. Recombinant DNA and Gene Cloning 1. Cloning and Expression Vectors 19. Recombinant DNA and Gene Cloning 2. Chimeric DNA, Molecular Probes and Gene Libraries 20. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Gene Amplification 21. Isolation, Sequencing and Synthesis of Genes 22. Proteins: Separation, Purification and Identification 23. Immunotechnology 1. B-Cells, Antibodies, Interferons and Vaccines 24. Immunotechnology 2. T-Cell Receptors and MHC Restriction 25. Immunotechnology 3. Hybridoma and Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) Hybridoma Technology and the Production of Monoclonal Antibodies 26. Transfection Methods and Transgenic Animals 27. Animal and Human Genomics: Molecular Maps and Genome Sequences Molecular Markers 28. Biotechnology in Medicine: l.Vaccines, Diagnostics and Forensics Animal and Human Health Care 29. Biotechnology in Medicine 2. Gene Therapy Human Diseases Targeted for Gene Therapy Vectors and Other Delivery Systems for Gene Therapy 30. Biotechnology in Medicine: 3. Pharmacogenetics / Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Phannacogenetics and Personalized 31. Plant Cell and Tissue Culture' Production and Uses of Haploids 32. Gene Transfer Methods in Plants 33. Transgenic Plants . Genetically Modified (GM) Crops and Floricultural Plants 34. Plant Genomics: 35. Genetically Engineered Microbes (GEMs) and Microbial Genomics References