Understanding DNA: The Molecule and How it Works - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0121550877 ISBN 13: 9780121550875

Publisher: Academic Press Inc, 1997

Synopsis

This work 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. The text includes many additional and updated references; summarizes the recent studies of DNA in disease and medicine; 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; and contains simple exercises and further reading at the end of each chapter.

About this title

Product Description:

282p hardback with bright blue laminated boards, excellent fresh copy, many illustrations, some in colour, name of Aaron Klug to endpaper, as new, second edition

Review:

"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

"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

"Sylish...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

"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

About this edition

• Publisher: Academic Press Inc
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0121550877
• ISBN 13: 9780121550875
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 384
• Editor: Calladine C.R., Drew Horace R.