Biotechnology from A to Z [Paperback]

William Bains (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 24, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0199633347 | ISBN-13: 978-0199633340 | Edition: 2nd

Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing and most exciting areas of science and technology and has already produced products (and profits) that would have seemed miraculous only 20 years ago. Biotechnology is also, however, a complex combination of scientific disciplines beset by jargon and buzz words. This book is an illuminating and practical introduction to the ideas and terminology of biotechnology. It uses straightforward language and concrete examples to unravel the jargon for the non-specialist and explains over 1000 terms in 250 short entries - from Abzymes to YACs, in fields ranging from Agriculture to Molecular Biology, from pure science to industrial regulation. This book is an essential, accessible guide to the science, the technology, and the real achievements of this fascinating and controversial industry.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From reviews for the first edition: "A wonderfully lucid guide to an exciting but blindingly complex industry." --New Scientist

"An illuminating and practical introduction to the ideas and terminology of biotechnology. . . . An invaluable guide to the science, the technology and its real achievements and potential." --Biotech Products International

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Dr. William Bains 37 The Moor, Melbourn, Royston, Herts, SG8 6ED 0790 493 1369 01763 263367 (phone ahead to get fax turned on) [e-mail] Founder of a biotechnology company (Amedis Pharmaceuticals, 2000), visiting Professor of Biomedical Science (Imperial college, London). --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2nd edition (June 24, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199633347
• ISBN-13: 978-0199633340
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,958,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Biotechnology from A to Z, April 25, 2000

By 

Dr. C. Lomer (Ankara, Turkey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biotechnology from A to Z (Paperback)

Biotechnology from A to Z, 2nd edition, by W. Bains With the current explosion of interest in biotechnology and the application of the basic techniques of genetic engineering to medicine, agriculture, forensics, environment, it is becoming increasingly difficult for any one person to stay abreast of all the applications. A handbook such as Bains' is invaluable in cutting straight to the point and providing the appropriate jargon for the particular discipline. Scientists, science writers, environmental activists, everyone will find this book an invaluable reference source. My favorite few pages go from Affinity Tag, Ageing, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, AIDS, to Airlift fermentor. All the entries are explained in clear concise English, with the just the right amount of cross-entries. As is appropriate for a biotechnology book, there are frequent practical examples. There is a good index and a list of books for further reading. It's a shame OUP couldn't have kept the internet address stable. This book is a definite good buy.

Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Bilkent University, Bilkent 06533, Ankara, Turkey