Lewin’s GENES XI 11th Edition

Book Preface

Of the diverse ways to study the living world, molecular biology has been most remarkable in the speed and breadth of its expansion. New data are acquired daily, and new insights into well-studied processes come on a scale measured in weeks or months rather than years. It’s difficult to believe that the first complete organi smal genome sequence was obtained less than 20 years ago. The structure and function of genes and genomes and their associated cellular processes are sometimes elegantly and deceptively simple but frequently amazingly complex, and no single book can do justice to the realities and diversities of natural genetic systems.

This book is aimed at advanced students in molecular genetics and molecular biology. In order to provide the most current understanding of the rapidly changing subjects in molecular biology, we have enlisted 21 scientists to provide revisions and content updates in their individual fields of expertise. Their expert knowledge has been incorporated throughout the text. Much of the revision and reorganization of this edition follows that of the third edition of Lewin ‘s Essential GENES, but there are many updates and features that are new to this book. This edition follows a logical flow of topics; in particular, discussion of chromatin organization and nucleosome structure precedes the discussion of eukaryotic transcription, because chromosome organi zation is critical to all DNA transactions in the cell, and current research in the field of transcriptional regulation is heavily biased toward the study of the role of chromatin in this process. Many new figures are included in this book, some reflecting new developments in the field, particularly in the topics of chromatin structure and function, epigenetics, and regulation by noncoding and microRNAs in eukaryotes.

This book is organized into four parts. Part 1 (Genes and Chromosomes) comprises Chapters 1 through 10. Chapters 1 and 2 serve as an introduction to the structure and function of DNA and contain basic coverage of DNA replication and gene expression. Chapter 3 provides infotmation on molecular laboratory techniques. Chapter 4 introduces the interrupted structures of eukaryotic genes, and Chapters 5 through 8 discuss genome:: structure and evolution. Chapters 9 and 10 discuss the structure of eukaryotic chromosomes.

Part 2 (DNA Replication and Recombination) comprises Chapters I I through 18. Chapters 1 1 to 14 provide detailed discussions of DNA replication in plasmids, viruses, and prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Chapters 1 5 through 1 8 cover recombination and its roles in DNA repair and the human immune system, with Chapter 16 discussing DNA repair pathways in detail and Chapter 1 7 focusing on different types of transposable elements.

Pedagogical Features
This edition contains several features to help students learn as they read. Each chapter begins with a Chapter Outline, and each section is summarized with a bulleted list of Key Concepts. Key Terms are highlighted in bold type in the text and compiled in the Glossary at the end of the book. Finally, each chapter concludes with an expanded and updated list of References, which provides both primary literature and current reviews t o supplement and reinforce the chapter content. Additional instructional tools are available online and on the Instructor’s Media CD.

Ancillaries
Jones & Bartktt Learning offers an impressive array of traditional and interactive multimedia supplements to assist instructors and aid students in mastering molecular biology. Additional information and review copies of any of the following items are available through your Jones & Bartlett sales representative or by visiting http://www.jbleaming.com/science/molecular/.

For the Student Interactive Student Study Guide
Jones & Bartlett Learning has developed an interactive, electronic study guide dedicated exclusively to this title. Students will find a variety of study aids and resources at http://biology.jbpub.com/lewin/ genesxi I, all designed to explore the concepts of
molecular biology in more depth and to help students master the material in the book. A variety of activities are available to help students review class material, such as chapter summaries, Web-based learning exercises, study quizzes, a searchable glossary, and links to animations, videos, and podcasts, all to help students master important terms and concepts.