Customer Reviews

Biotechnology Demystified

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4 star:		(4)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is a study guide that presents examination quizzes at the end of each chapter and a large final exam at the end of the volume. The materials concentrate mostly on the DNA mechanics, monoclonal antibodies, and limited insight into issues of proteomics. Some examples of industrial and medical applications of biotechnology are discussed as well.

Probably the best sections of the book are dedicated to the subjects of stem cells. In particular, the current state of embryonic stem cell research is described very well, including methodological and sociological implications.

Contrary to the subject, this book does not demystify biotechnology, but it gives some insight into what scientists are working on to make this rapidly changing field of science less mysterious.

This book is well written and good value for money. It offers a lively introduction to the red hot biotechnology for beginners. Complex concepts of cell structures and functions are clearly explained. The summary and quiz of each chapter are particularly useful. I enjoy most reading about the interesting topics of immunotherapy, stem cell, proteomics and various medical applications of biotechnology.

Biotechnology is a term that is well heard of, but nor correctly understood. For those wanting to get closer without the pain of all the technical details, this is a perfect way to do it. A good buy for the knowledge that it offers.

I was disappointed with the childish (and confusing) illustrations and more so with the inaccuracies in the basic concepts of DNA that were presented in the first three chapters. While these inaccuracies may not detract from the purpose of the text, they are misleading the reader into a false sense of facts.

This book presents a very good review and overview of biotechnology. The best feature of the book is that it's simple to understand. Biotechnology is still a rapidly developing field, and there are not many textbooks or reference books out there. This is one of the good biotechnology books that we have.
Recommended.

I have a very basic background in chemistry and biology so I was looking for a book to fill in the gaps; something short of a college textbook. I am only about 3 chapters through this but I'm disappointed in this book. The level of exposition is not too bad, but the book seems neither well written nor well edited. I've found typos, undefined notation, unexplained terms and just poor explanations. The figures don't seem very good for explaining the concepts and processes (eg, cell division) that really need good diagrams. In some cases they are borrowed from other books a little carelessly.

It's too bad -- I think this is a good topic and the author generally chooses an appropriate level of detail, but it just wasn't written carefully enough.

Just to share my experience: Teaching myself biotechnology I had hoped to get a teaching help with this book and got quite confused after working it through. The MC questions are really misleading. It s a pity... Fortunately, I have had solid knowledge about biotech before reading.
The Series Editors should better ask leading professionals for a review before publishing.