Nucleic Acid Analysis: Principles and Bioapplications

Nucleic acid analysis, one of the most powerful tools used in the modern laboratory, is on the verge of widespread commercial exploitation. For years it has been used to characterize the relationship between known and unknown genetic sequences. Possible commercial applications span such diverse fields as medicine, food technology, and the environmental sciences. This timely volume provides thorough coverage of the basic principles, methodology, and extensive use of nucleic acid hybridization.

Nucleic Acid Analysis: Principles and Bioapplications is divided into two sections. The first section focuses on methodology and offers an overview of nucleic acid hybridization assay techniques. It also details the isolation, cloning, and labeling of nucleic acid probe molecules, and the amplification of the signal detected from the binding of labeled probes.

The second section of the book is devoted to applications and strategies, including:

• Approaches to genetic analyses for genetic disease screening and forensics
• Approaches to infectious disease diagnosis
• Diagnostic nucleic acid probe technology in veterinary and human medicine
• Developments in food technology and the environmental sciences

This section provides a detailed overview of current uses and potential applications, as well as regulatory and economic considerations. An in-depth introduction to a burgeoning technology, this comprehensive text is a must have for professionals, including individuals in the biotechnology industry interested in developing and exploiting this powerful new tool.