Biotechnology from A to Z [Paperback]

William Bains (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0199636931 | ISBN-13: 978-0199636938 | Publication Date: April 23, 1998 | Edition: 2

Biotechnology, one of the fastest growing and most exciting areas of science, is a complex combination of scientific disciplines beset by jargon and buzz words. Now fully updated to incorporate the most current terminology, this second edition of Biotechnology From A to Z offers an illuminating and practical introduction to the ideas of biotechnology. Starting from ADEPT (antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy) and finishing with zoonosis (infection by an organism that usually infects other species), and describing artificial tissues, extremophiles, nutraceuticals, prosthetics, and xenografts among many other topics along the way, this book provides a concise and readable overview of the field. Straightforward language and concrete examples are used to unravel the jargon for the non-specialist. 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

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: 422 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (April 23, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199636931
• ISBN-13: 978-0199636938
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,094,599 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