Insect Molecular Genetics: An Introduction to Principles and Applications, Second Edition

Book Description

Insect Molecular Genetics, 2nd edition, is a succinct book that briefly introduces graduate and undergraduate students to molecular genetics and the techniques used in this well established and important discipline. The book is written for two converging audiences: those familiar with insects that need to learn about molecular genetics, and those that are familiar with molecular genetics but not familiar with insects. Thus, this book is intended to fill the gap between two audiences that share a common middle ground.

* Up-to-date references to important review articles, websites, and seminal citations in the disciplines
* Well crafted and instructive illustrations integral to explaining the techniques of molecular genetics
* Glossary of terms to help beginners learn the vocabulary of molecular biology

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book for starters in insect molecular genetics.......2005-07-27

I have found this book an excellent source of information fors researchers on this particular subject. i really enjoy browsing through the chapters. I have also found that the list of references is outstanding. i suggest this book to people that start their research in using molecular techniques applied in insects. i think though that more detailed information should be searched in other books, or even in the references.

A fascinating overview.......2004-05-01

The genetic engineering of insects is now commonplace, and for those who want to understand the details behind this exciting and practical technology, this book gives an excellent overview. The goal of this reviewer, who is not a professional biologist, was primarily to understand the efficacy of transgenic strategies in the genetic manipulation of insects. For those with similar interests and backgrounds, the book fills the need, and after reading it, such readers will have a better understanding of just what is possible in the technology of genetic transformation of insects, along with obtaining a stronger background in genetics. This technology is improving and getting more powerful as this book went into print, and no doubt many more fascinating discoveries will take place in the near future. The genetic manipulation of insects shows much promise in not only reducing the threat of malaria but also in controlling unwanted insect populations. The risks involved in this technology are thankfully also addressed in the book.

A thorough review of a book of this size and detail would take many thousands of words, and so attention here will be concentrated on the things that this reviewer found particularly interesting and the surprises in the book. One of these involved the discussion of the RNA era and its role in the early evolution of life. The author views this time as one where RNA organisms, which had multiple-copy double-stranded RNA genomes, these genomes later fragmenting into chromosomes. The interactions between the RNA and amino acids evolved into the present DNA world. Another interesting fact brought out is that DNA can form more than twenty different variations of right-handed helices, and can form left-handed helices in some regions.

The author also discusses the role of exons and introns in molecular genetics, and the `introns-early' and `introns-late' hypotheses. Their role is still not completely understood, and there are many open questions in their study, as is brought out in the discussion.

Still another interesting discussion concerns the role of telomeres in preventing the loss of DNA during replication and their role in ensuring the stability of linear chromosomes. It turns out that telomerase, an enzyme that is responsible for adding these telomeres to the ends, is, interestingly, a reverse transcriptase, meaning that it can transcribe DNA from an RNA template.

The `C value paradox' is also discussed by the author, which she describes as a situation where there is more DNA then is needed by the organism. Surprisingly, the genome size is not correlated with the complexity of the organism or the number of genes encoded. The insect genome size varies widely among the insect species, with 250-fold differences in C values being common. The composition of insect DNA is apparently very different for insects than for vertebrates, with the author quoting the guanine and cytosine bases making up only 32-42% of the DNA, as compared to 45% for vertebrates.

The many roles of heterochromatin is discussed in detail by the author, such as in chromosome mechanics, centromere function, and position effect variegation in Drosophila melanogaster. In the latter, this silences the euchromatic genes that have been moved to regions adjacent to heterochromatin by chromosomal rearrangements. This change in the location of the gene within the nucleus modifies significantly the amount of `gene silencing'. In the context of transgenic strategies, the transgenes inserted into the insect genome can be silenced because they become heterochromatized.

A particularly fascinating discussion is given of the role of transposable elements in the insect genome. These can alter the gene structure and function, and can transfer horizontally between species. The microbial symbiont Wolbachia's role in insect evolution is discussed, and the amazing fact that insects contain three or four genomes, namely the nuclear, mitochondrial, gut symbionts, and Wolbachia, raising the question of just what constitutes a biological individual. Some species of insects can have diploid males and females, or haploid males and diploid females, or only females. In addition, diploid males may undergo chromosome heterochromatimization and loss during development and become haploid.

A very detailed overview of transgenic strategies and their role in pest management is given at the end of the book. Giving examples of what has been accomplished in traditional breeding for beneficial insects and in sterilization techniques for pest insects, the author discusses the justifications for using transgenic methods. Mention is made of using green fluorescent protein as a molecular marker to track sterile insects. The author argues that fluorescent dusts currently used are not satisfactory since they can reduce the fitness of the insects and do not always adhere to the insects, biasing the results of the sterilization program. The author is clearly supportive of transgenic strategies to perform pest management, but she gives many references that take more cautionary stances on this technology. The author also makes the point that insect transgenesis is most appropriate for traits that are determined primarily by a single gene. The manipulation of traits determined by more complex genetic mechanisms are not yet feasible using transgenic strategies. Briefly discussed, but with many references given, are the different methods for transforming the insect germ-line, such as P-element vectors, Hermes, hobo, mariner, Minos, piggyBac, baculoviruses, densonucleosis viruses, pantropic retroviral vectors, polydnaviruses, retrotransposons, and sindbis viruses. Also discussed are paratransgenesis, which involves the genetic transformation of insect symbionts, and FLP-mediated recombination, which involves the introduction of cloned genes into the germ line at a predictable chromosomal site. This latter technique, the author argues, is very desirable for the reason that the likelihood of position effects on gene expression is considerably reduced.

Gene silencing, an evolved mechanism to prevent high-level expression of transposable elements, presents a challenge to transgenic strategies. The author discusses briefly some examples of transgene silencing in D. melanogaster. She points out that gene silencing might however be exploited positively by turning off specific genes in insects. References are given that discuss gene silencing in D. melanogaster. Horizontal gene transfer, hotly debated in the press these days, is discussed briefly.

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Extended interactions between metal ions in transition metal complexes: A symposium sponsored by the Division of Inorganic Chemistry at the 167th meeting ... April 3-5, 1974 (ACS symposium series ; 5)

Manufacturer: American Chemical Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Inorganic | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0841202249

Book Description

This book is the first attempt to develop systematically a general theory of the initial-boundary value problems for nonlinear evolution equations with pseudodifferential operators Ku on a half-line or on a segment. We study traditionally important problems, such as local and global existence of solutions and their properties, in particular much attention is drawn to the asymptotic behavior of solutions for large time. Up to now the theory of nonlinear initial-boundary value problems with a general pseudodifferential operator has not been well developed due to its difficulty. There are many open natural questions. Firstly how many boundary data should we pose on the initial-boundary value problems for its correct solvability? As far as we know there are few results in the case of nonlinear nonlocal equations. The methods developed in this book are applicable to a wide class of dispersive and dissipative nonlinear equations, both local and nonlocal.

· For the first time the definition of pseudodifferential operator on a half-line and a segment is done
· A wide class of nonlinear nonlocal and local equations is considered
· Developed theory is general and applicable to different equations
· The book is written clearly, many examples are considered
· Asymptotic formulas can be used for numerical computations by engineers and physicists
· The authors are recognized experts in the nonlinear wave phenomena

Nonlinear Theory of Pseudodifferential Equations on a Half-line, Volume 194 (North-Holland Mathematics Studies)

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Nonlinear Theory of Pseudodifferential Equations on a Half-line, Volume 194 (North-Holland Mathematics Studies)
Nakao Hayashi
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MU7IIA

Book Description

Whether you're conducting business, traveling for pleasure, or even relocating abroad, one mistake with customs or etiquette can leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth. International travelers, now more than ever, are not just individuals from the United States, but ambassadors and impression makers for the country as a whole. Newly updated, redesigned, and resized for maximum shelf appeal for travelers of all ages, Culture Shock! country and city guides make up the most complete reference series for customs and etiquette you can find. These are not just travel guides; these are guides for a way of life.

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Gitanjali
What a master of words
Gitanjali
Great Indian Poet
Awesome

Gitanjali
Rabindranath Tagore , and W. B. Yeats
Manufacturer: Digireads.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1420926306

Book Description

An illuminating collection of inspirational poems by a Nobel Laureate

While traveling through one of the poorest regions in India, W. B. Yeats was amazed to discover the women in the tea fields singing the songs and poems of Rabindranath Tagore. This striking scene led the great Irish poet to appreciate the depth of India's far-reaching tradition of poetry and the fame of this one Indian poet. Tagore's work is without equal and plays an eminent role in twentieth century Indian literature.

The publication of the English edition of Gitanjali in 1911 earned Rabindranath Tagore the Nobel Prize in literature. A collection of over one hundred inspirational poems, Gitanjali covers the breadth of life's experiences, from the quiet pleasure of observing children at play to a man's struggle with his god. These are poems that transcend time and place.

Download Description

Song Offerings A collection of prose translations made by the author from the original Bengali. Please Note: This book has been reformatted to be easy to read in true text, not scanned images that can sometimes be difficult to decipher. The Microsoft eBook has a contents page linked to the chapter headings for easy navigation. The Adobe eBook has bookmarks at chapter headings and is printable up to two full copies per year. Both versions are text searchable.

Customer Reviews:

Gitanjali.......2007-10-05

Simply one of the best books I have ever read. Very moving, and more importantly gives you a real perspective on life.

What a master of words.......2007-08-20

I don't think I am qualified enough (in Literature) to even comprehend the full meaning of every poem, but his gift is apparent from the first one's. He had an amazing eye for things in life most people will never care to even notice, and he had the talent to put forth those images and feelings in writing. No wonder he is hailed has one of the greatest literary minds in India. for people who want to explore more about Tagore, poetry wasn't his talent..he was a writer (plays and novels), a composer, an artist, and a Humanitarian.

Gitanjali.......2007-08-08

Extremely disappointing to find that the verses of Gitanjali are not numbered in this edition. Important that numbers be included for referencing in communication with others with whom one is discussing this classic.

Great Indian Poet.......2006-03-20

I gave this book to an friend of mine who lives in India and she just raves about it. Tagore is a great poet and this is in my opinion his best colletion.

Awesome.......2005-09-09

A magnanimous spirit's spiritual legacy.
It made me close my eyes and ruminate on the world as it was meant to be.
Reading just one or two poems might be unfulfilling or even boring.
The reader has to allow himself to be drawn in and read 7-8 of them and then perhaps re-read them. That's when the magic truly sets in.
It then indulges the nooks of the mind that daily routines tend to push out of sight.
The poems are easy to read since they are fairly short (9-10 lines often), but they put forth a lot more than that.
The original version in Bengali is supposed to be even better, but the English translation was special enough for me.
Brilliant is an understatement.

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: The Impact of Globalization

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Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: The Impact of Globalization

Manufacturer: Sage Publications Pvt. Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0761995439

Book Description

Sustainable agriculture is based on the sustainable use of natural resources land, water and agricultural biodiversity, including that of plants and animals. The sustainable use of these, in turn, requires that their ownership and control lie with decentralised agricultural communities to generate livelihoods, provide food and conserve natural resources. These three dimensions of ecological security, livelihood security and food security are the essential elements of an agriculture policy which is sustainable and equitable. This book shows how the processes of globalization threaten to undermine all three dimensions, and calls for immediate action.

Book Description

Out of Bengal and the Hindu spiritual tradition comes a Nobel prize-winning mystical poet whose time for broad, popular acceptance has come. William Butler Yeats fell in love with these poems almost a 100 years ago, the Nobel Committee honored them with their literature prize in 1913 and just recently The Utne Reader cited Tagore as one of today's most overlooked spiritual writers. This new edition is important because its lyrical translation has been made from Tagore's original Bengali and because it makes the entire collection of 157 Gitanjali, or "song offerings" available to a wider audience for the first time. Rabindranath Tagore wrote with the insight and emotion that so characterizes Kahlil Gibran, with the mystical passion that has made Jalaluddin Rumi so popular and with a simplicity and depth that remains fresh and attractive to today's seekers.

Customer Reviews:

fabulous poems and translation.......2004-04-10

Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore is a series of poems exposing Tagore's search for union with the divine. Tagore, a Bengali Hindu, writes with great beauty, emotion and simplicity. Reading the poems in order (there are 157 poems, each about a page or less long) shows the waxing and waning cycles of Tagore's spiritual life. Sometimes God is present to Tagore, only to leave later. A Christian spiritual seeker myself, I could easily relate to the pendulum swing that Tagore writes about: the joys, frustrations and patience. Tagore himself made an English translation of these poems for which he won the Nobel prize for literature in the early 20th century (the first non-European to win the literature prize). Here the translation is by a Catholic monk who spent most of his adult life in Bengal, and many scholars think his translation is better than Tagore's, due to his absolute fluency in both languages. I have read beautiful poems by many spiritual writers, and I found Tagore's Gitanjali the most approachable and meaningful. Highest recommendation.

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this is an everlasting piece of literary brilliance
this is an everlasting piece of literary brilliance

Gitanjali - Song Offerings
Rabindranath, Tagore
Manufacturer: Pomona Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Middle Eastern | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1406787922

Book Description

Originally published in 1912. A Collection of Prose Translations made by the Author from the Original Bengali

Customer Reviews:

this is an everlasting piece of literary brilliance.......1998-03-10

I wish people would see that Tagore breaks the barrier of cultural appreciation. He is not only the most important Indian writer...he is one of the most important world writers. In Gitanjali, his simple lines of a lust for the unification of some divnity and him is unparalleld by anyone of anytime.

this is an everlasting piece of literary brilliance.......1998-03-10

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Images add another dimension to Song Offerings

Gitanjali: Offerings of Song & Art hc
Author
Manufacturer: Floating World Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Buddhist Animal Wisdom Stories

ASIN: 1891640283

Book Description

Poet, playwright, and novelist Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was one of the towering cultural figures of modern India, winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. Of his many works, the most enduringly popular has been Gitanjali, or Song Offerings, likely due to the honesty with which these verses articulate the poet's personal, and humanity's eternal, spiritual quest. Although steeped in Hindu roots, they have the capability of bringing together compassionate, seeking minds of all faiths. Certainly they are worth reading and rereading in these times of troubling religious strife. Inspired by his first reading of Gitanjali, artist Mark W. McGinnis created 103 exquisite nine-by-nine-inch paintings, after the fashion of Indian Kangra style paintings of the late 18th century. His paintings are intended not simply to be illustrations of Tagore's verses but images inspired by them and the artist's understanding of the creative mind behind them.

Customer Reviews:

Images add another dimension to Song Offerings.......2006-03-03

Rabindranath Tagore's "Gintanjali" or "Song Offerings" have been stopping people in their tracks for almost 100 years with their gentle reminder that the spiritual is also everyday personal and can change a world. So it is no wonder that artist Mark McGinnis stopped everything else when he read the poems; the delightful surprises in "Gintanjali: Offerings of Song and Art" are the 103 exquisitely detailed and elegantly simple paintings that he painted to accompany them.
The paintings become windows, doors and skylights that invite readers to take another step out of their everyday lives. The paintings gently lead the eyes while the words take root. The songs begin to resonate in another way as we pause just a little longer, and quiet becomes visual in McGinnis' well-thought art.
This is also a beautiful book to hold. The weight of the paper and the quality of the printing complement a simple and elegant design that allow readers to discover the luminous quality of this art and these songs. McGinnis' paintings are dropped like jewels, usually one on each page, with a poem underneath. Each becomes its own composition. Each stands alone yet flows into the whole.
Those who have already read Tagore's songs will find another dimension in this edition. Those who have encounter them for the first time in this book will be introduced to a double feast.

Rabindranath Tagore Omnibus I: Gitanjali, The Post Office, Creative Unity, Hungry Stones & Other Stories, Gora, My Boyhood Days

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Rabindranath Tagore Omnibus I: Gitanjali, The Post Office, Creative Unity, Hungry Stones & Other Stories, Gora, My Boyhood Days
Rabindranath Tagore
Manufacturer: Rupa & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 8129101750

Book Description

This collection brings together six acclaimed works of Tagore under one roof: Gitanjali, The Post Office, Creative Unity, Hungry Stones & Other Stories, Gora, and My Boyhood Days.

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Outstanding

Song Offerings: Gitanjali
Rabindranath Tagore
Manufacturer: Anvil Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0856463116

Book Description

The revered Bengali poet won the Nobel Prize in 1913 mainly for this work (titled Gitanjaliin the original). Joe Winter's is the first complete English verse translation.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2003-10-14

Easily the best translation apart from Tagore's own (which is not really a translation but a work in English).

Gitanjali: Offerings from the Heart/Audio Cassettes

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Gitanjali: Offerings from the Heart/Audio Cassettes
Rabindranath Tagore
Manufacturer: Sound Horizons Audio-Video
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 187932332X

Between Two Worlds: An Intellectual Biography of Premchand

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Between Two Worlds: An Intellectual Biography of Premchand
Geetanjali Pandey , and Gitanjali Sri
Manufacturer: South Asia Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 8185054592

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