This text gives a broad, but concise, coverage of gene cloning and
manipulation, suitable for undergraduates and beginning graduate
students. Assuming only general biochemical knowledge, it stresses the
concepts underlying particular types of cloning vector, and uses
examples to illustrate them, rather than simply presenting a mass of
detailed lists and vector maps. The book starts by describing the
principles behind cloning DNA in E. coli, the enzymes used, the range of
cloning vectors available, and how to screen libraries to find
particular clones. The author shows how PCR can be used as an
alternative, or complementary, approach. He then goes on to describe how
sequences can be exploited, after cloning and identification, by
site-directed mutagenesis and over-expression. The book finishes with a
detailed presentation of the genetic manipulation of other organisms,
including other bacteria, yeast, plants, insects, and mammals.