Customer Reviews

Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Third Edition (3 volume set)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In this 3 volume set of books the authors summarize the most important laboratory protocols for DNA analysis and cloning. As someone involved in computational biology and mathematical gene sequence analysis, I was needing such a summary to get an idea of just how genetic engineering is actually practiced in the laboratory. The book is definitely written for those readers that are very experienced in these "wet" techniques, but it still could be perused profitably by anyone who is curious about genetic engineering. There is also an excellent website that owners of the books can go to and search for protocols and obtain updates and additions to the protocols.

At the beginning of each chapter, the authors give an introduction to the protocols and this is of an enormous help to those readers with only rudimentary acquaintance with the laboratory procedures. Typically, this introduction contains an historical summary of the procedures as they were developed or discovered. One can only marvel at the ingenuity of the discoverers of these techniques. These introductions are fairly straightforward to read, even for those that are not experts in biochemistry.

At the end of each chapter, the authors include an "information panel" that gives a more in-depth view of the biochemistry or genetics behind the procedures. These are summaries and are highly specialized, and are again meant for experienced readers. A very lengthy list of references is also included at the end of each chapter.

Becuase of the size of this collection, space here does not permit a detailed review, so I will list some of the areas that I thought were particularly interesting or well-written (these coming from the introduction or the information panels only): 1. The DNA synthesis at the colE1 replicon and the interaction between RNAI and RNAII. 2. The discussion of electroporation and the physics behind this technique to introduce DNA into eukaryotic cells. 3. The discussion on the discovery of bacteriophage lambda. 4. The discussion (with diagram), of the assembly pathway of bacteriophage lambda. 5. The summary of the early analysis of DNA using electrophoresis and the different pulsed-field configurations used. 6. The anecdote on the discovery of the polymerase chain reaction. 7. The short discussion on computer-assisted design of oligonucleotide primers. 8. The discussion of oligonucleotide synthesis. 9. The flowchart detailing the preparing and screening of a cDNA library. 10. The history of the development of the methods to synthesize and clone cDNAs. 11. The detailed discussion of the molecular cloning of double-stranded cDNA. 12. The discussion on the methods to validate clones of cDNA. 13. The discussion on magnetic beads for affinity purification. 14. The discussion on the history of DNA sequencing and the different techniques to accomplish it, particularly the information panel on automated DNA sequencing. 15. The discussion of the different types of mutagenesis and the different methods for accomplishing it. 18. The fascinating discussion of how to introduce cloned genes into mammalian cells. 19. The discussion on the steps involved in DNA footprinting. 20 The discussion on green flourescent protein and its use as a fusion tag. 21. The discussion on the use of surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy.

For many years the previous edition of this set was an essential reference in molecular biology labs. At present however, there are too many good protocol books out there to really make this argument. The book is pretty strong in explaining theory, and answering the question of why certain procedures are either necessary, useful, or worthless, however it is not as practical as many other books, such as Short Protocols. Still a good reference overall, but no longer stands alone, and I recommend checking out as much of the competition as possible before deciding whether to make the investment in it.

Molecular cloning has been a lab staple for years. Now reprinted so you can update the old lab copy worn out by years of student use! Its a must have for any lab serious about molecular biology. Its also useful for student training. Many times there are simple explanations for the lab techniques we have adopted as dogma, but are unsure why. Molecular cloning has the answers and is a great resource. I highly recommend this book for its depth and breadth of protocols and guidance in the complicated realm of cloning!

Sambrook and Russell answer every question you could think of, and then some. This book is a goldmine of information, packed with protocols, but also filled with the extra information that transforms a simple set of instructions into an amazingly helpful how-to manual. The approach taken is that of an experimentor (ie. 'How to win the battle with RNase'--it really is a battle!), with hints and suggestions usually learned by watching an old pro. The information is well-organized, and very well illustrated to give a clear view of how an experiment is performed and especially the logic behind it. The manual also satisfies the insatiable curiosity of a scientist rather than a technician: how do pharmacological agents work? What are their structures? And the troubleshooting sections provide an invaluable resource. All in all, Sambrook and Russell have created an essential weapon in any scientist's artillery.

So few and so much to say about this bible of Biology at the bench...
You'll really find everything you want in it, including the composition of all the buffers and solutions, the new protocols for high-tech biology (FLIM-FRET), some paragraphs about bioinformatics and more.Incredibly precise, this book is consequently a big book (3 huge volumes), so better know exactly wath you're looking for before opening it!
The must have of every lab!

This book is an invaluable resource for any serious practitioner of molecular biology. Content is detailed and comprehensive. Highly recommended reference source. All credit to the authors for what is a thorough revision of this latest testament of what is undoubtedly the revealed scripture of molecular biology. The website gives you access to all the printable protocols from the book and is perfect for lab bound grad student.

For all biology scientists, this is a great buy and price is a bargain. Came in great condition.

This manual is high quality for the study of biotechnology. The authors collected lot of protocols and provided more detail of principle than previous two editions. The third edition involved three volumes. The manual is very useful for lab researcher.

This revised version of the Standard Lab Handbook has been improved, completed with new techniques and search is facilitated by the indices added at the end of each volume.

This is a classic text and extraordinarily useful.
Unfortunately, we thought we were purchasing the "3 volume set", but were sent only Volume 3. We are missing Volumes 1 and Volume 2. I am not certain where the fault lies, but if we are due to have Volumes 1 and 2, then please arrange to send them.
"Buyer beware!".