Understanding DNA, Second Edition: The Molecule and How It Works [Paperback]

Chris R. Calladine (Author), Horace Drew (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 29, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0121550885 | ISBN-13: 978-0121550882 | Edition: 2

The Second Edition of Understanding DNA has been entirely revised and updated, and expanded by more than 50% to cover new advances. The book explains step-by-step how DNA forms specific structures, the nature of these structures, and how they fundamentally affect the biological processes of transcription and replication.
The functional properties of any molecule are directly related to and affected by its structure; this is especially true for DNA, the molecule that carries the code for all life on earth. Written in a clear, concise, and at times lively fashion, Understanding DNA is essential reading for all molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics students, for newcomers to the field from such areas as physics or chemistry, and for even the most seasoned researchers who really want to understand DNA.

Key Features
* New edition, expanded by more than 50%
* Completely revised and updated
* Includes many additional and updated references
* Summarizes the recent studies of DNA in disease and medicine
* Contains more than 110 illustrations, some in full color
* Describes the basic units of DNA and how these form the double helix
* Characterizes the various types of DNA double helix that have been found
* Explains how and why DNA twists and curves
* Discusses the mechanisms of DNA supercoiling
* Summarizes the assembly of DNA and proteins into chromosomes
* Outlines the methods used to study DNA structure
Describes the latest work on protein-DNA complexes
* Contains simple exercises and further reading at the end of each chapter

Editorial Reviews

Review

Reviews of the first edition
"Stylish... beautifully crafted, with a logical step-by-step approach to the subject. A book from which the advanced undergraduate will benefit, and which will also generate a refreshing perspective for experts."
--NATURE
"Authoritative and lucid."
--SIR AARON KLUG
"Throughout the book, there is something of a playful spirit at work... [which] make[s] subtle physical effects... intuitively comprehensible. We see DNA structures so often that it is often taken for granted that the molecule should not be anything but an aesthetically appealing, spiralling helix. But why should it assume such a nice structure? The book offers an absolutely delightful answer to this and other similarly mischievous questions. Understanding DNA is a great book that will surely prove to be a valuable teaching tool."
--THE BIOCHEMIST
"Among the strengths [of the book] are the clarity of the explanations of some quite difficult concepts and the novel way in which certain ideas are treated, perhaps causing the reader to think again about certain aspects of DNA structure. I enjoyed reading this book and would encourage colleagues working in the general area of DNA research to read it."
--HEREDITY
"A systematic and comprehensive analysis of the structure of DNA from a wonderfully fresh perspective. The book is a systematic effort to understand this fascinating molecule from the inside out, building from the first, and simplest, principles... I recommend it very highly."
--TRENDS IN GENETICS
"The text would be a useful companion for a course using more traditional biology or molecular biology coverage. And, of course, it would be well suited for those wishing to introduce themselves to the topic of DNA for the first time."
--Roger W. Melvold, Northwestern University Medical School, DOODY REVIEW.

Book Description

An easily comprehendible explaination of the structure and function of DNA. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 283 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 2 edition (April 29, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0121550885
• ISBN-13: 978-0121550882
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,739,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars It lacks so many parts in comparison to the last edition., November 13, 2011

By 

Ehsan - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Understanding DNA: The Molecule & How It Works (Paperback)

It lacks so many parts in comparison to the last edition. I should have compared the chapters' list in the two versions at some place.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction, October 4, 2010

By 

emstrawbridge - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Understanding DNA: The Molecule & How It Works (Paperback)

Very good introduction to DNA structures and function for undergrads or, in fact, even any non-scientist. It does not, nor does it claim to, go into details, e.g. in depth description of the models or experiments, so if you're looking for that, you'll have to look elsewhere.