Biotechnology for Beginners [Paperback]

Reinhard Renneberg (Author), Arnold L. Demain (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0123735815 | ISBN-13: 978-0123735812 | Publication Date: December 18, 2007 | Edition: 1

Biotechnology is the applied science of using living organisms and their by-products for commercial development. It has grown and evolved to such an extent over the past few years that increasing numbers of professionals work in areas directly impacted by it. For the first time, this book offers an exciting and colorful overview of biotechnology for professionals and students in a wide array of the life sciences including: Genetics, Immunology, Biochemistry, Agronomy, Food Science, and Animal Science. This book also appeals to the lay reader without a scientific background who is interested in an entertaining and informative introduction to the key aspects of biotechnology.

Authors Renneberg and Demain discuss the opportunities and risks of individual technologies and provide historical data in easy-to-reference boxes, highlighting key topics. Biotechnology for Beginners covers all major aspects of the field, from food biotechnology to enzymes, genetic engineering, viruses, antibodies, and vaccines, to environmental biotechnology, transgenic animals, analytical biotechnology, and the human genome. This stimulating book is the most user-friendly source for a comprehensive overview of this complex field.

* Accessible to the lay reader without scientific background knowledge
* Coverage includes all facets of biotechnology applications
* Includes articles from the hottest Scientists: Alan Guttmacher, Carl Djerassi, Frances S. Ligler, Jared Diamond, Susan Greenfield, and more
* Each chapter concludes with a summary, annotated references, links to useful Web sites, and appealing review questions
* More than 600 color figures and over 100 illustrations
* Written in an enthusiastic and engaging style unlike other existing theoretical and dry-style biotechnology books

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book lets me wish to be a student again..."
- Fred Sanger, Double-Nobel Prize winner

"This great book is highly contagious, if you open it, you want to read more and more..."
Jim Larrick, US-Biotech entrepreneur and founder of Absalus

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (December 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0123735815
• ISBN-13: 978-0123735812
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > Medical Books > Basic Sciences > Biotechnology

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sociologist's view, January 21, 2008

By 

Erik Baark - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Biotechnology for Beginners (Paperback)

It is often a problem to find books that help you understand the scientific and technical intricacies of a new phenomenon and at the same time shows its historical and social background. Reinhard Renneberg's Biotechnology for Beginners is the best introduction that I have read recently which achieves this purpose eminently. Renneberg takes you on a tour of biotechnology from its origins in fermentation via gene technology to the development of transgenic animals and analysis of the human genome. His core presentation focuses on the scientific explorations and technological achievements, but the supplementary illustrations and boxes presenting historical developments, critical issues or expert opinions enliven the text. Each chapter is also provided with list of recommended literature and websites, together with self-test questions and other aids for discussion of critical issues.

Many popular books on biotechnology tend to engage in partisan discourse on the merits or dangers of the technology, or they try to avoid the controversial issues altogether. Renneberg in my view strikes a good balance, drawing upon many sources of information and opinion.
As a sociologist and historian of science and technology, I am fascinated with the way that he has woven history and persons (and other living organisms) into the presentation of basic facts. In a sense, he complements technical detail with interesting facts about history and social applications in a way that resembles a double helix. The effect is awesome...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book. A must read., March 16, 2008

By 

BENNARDO FRANCESCO (CASTROLIBERO (CS) ITALY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Biotechnology for Beginners (Paperback)

I have just ended to read the book: Prof. Renneberg has written a masterpiece. This book is complete, well written, rich of marvelous figures and, very important, the book is strongly didactic. All the aspects of the modern biotechnology are covered.
I really suggest this book to anyone that wants to learn about modern biotechnology: she/he will not be disappointed. The reading of this book is really pleasant.
Thanks to Prof. Renneberg.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Biotechnology for Beginners - and more..., November 13, 2007

By 

Dieter Trau (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Biotechnology for Beginners (Paperback)

This book is very special: If you are a Beginner you will understand it with ease, if you are an Expert in the field you will still find many interesting facts, stories, history and illustrations to keep you reading and reading! It's for Beginners - and more! Excellent work! Dr. Dieter Trau, Singapore