Fly Pushing: Theory and Practice of Drosophila Genetics - Softcover

Greenspan, Ralph J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0879694920 ISBN 13: 9780879694920

Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press,U.S., 1997

Synopsis

The practicalities of "fly pushing" an affectionate term for doing genetic experiments and crosses with Drosophila is presented here for those who want to use fly genetics in their work, but have heretofore been unable to gain access to the "large folklore of classical genetic tools lurking somewhere in the fly field" (from the introduction). The practicalities of making crosses, isolating variants, mapping genes, constructing specific genotypes, and analyzing mutations are explained, with some theory thrown in to make the techniques intelligible. Requires only an elementary (undergraduate course level) knowledge of genetics. Spiral wire bound, with a cloth cover. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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Review

Overall, the first edition of this book was a hit and we are confident that the second will be also. New techniques have been added while retaining the accessibility of the previous version. We're sure we'll have many copies of the second edition stolen off our shelves in the future. We had better order six. Development Why does this book work so well? I think that there are three reasons. First, Greenspan is not afraid to explain the obvious, or at least what to Drosophilists is obvious...Second, Greenspan doesn't just describe what we do, but usually explains why...Third, newer techniques, such as gene disruption by homologous recombination, or use of inducible promoters, are not add-ons but are integrated into the general topics, in these cases of finding mutants and of analyzing their action, making clear how classical methodology, molecular biology and genomics create an integrated whole. Of course, it also helps that the book is written in a brief, breezy, colloquial style. This does not imply, however, that Fly Pushing is an easy read. It is brief, breezy and colloquial, but is also meaty and the reader will have to, but I think will also want to, work at understanding what's here. BioEssays This book will be well received by both 'fly people' and Drosophila novices, as Greenspan very clearly explains the methods in a simple and hands-on style. We especially liked the figures that depict frequently used markers... The second edition contains a great deal of updated information on recent innovations, such as gene targeting using homologous recombination, RNA interference, and the FLP/FRT system. The list of (rapidly evolving) internet resources for Drosophila work will also be very valuable to have at one's fingertips in the modern fly laboratory, which often has a computer right across the bay from the molecular bench. The Quarterly Review of Biology

Synopsis

This study aims to give investigators the chance to combine molecular and genetic approaches in studies of gene expression, cell function and development. Fly genetics has a large and complex folklore to which this guide aims to provide a bridge. It guides the readers through the practicalities of making crosses, isolating variants, mapping genes, constructing specific genotypes and analyzing mutations. No previous knowledge of fly genetics is assumed. The techniques used are illustrated, and practice problems and solutions are included to assist the reader.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press,U.S.
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0879694920
• ISBN 13: 9780879694920
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• Number of pages: 163