This laboratory manual gives a thorough introduction to basic techniques in Molecular Biology, which can find application in many different fields. It is the result of practical experience, with each protocol having been used extensively in undergraduate courses or tested in the authors laboratory. Thus, they are also likely to work in inexperienced hands the first time they are performed. In addition to detailed protocols and practical notes, each technique includes an overview of its general importance, the time and expense involved in its application and a description of the theoretical mechanisms of each step. This knowledge will enable the users to design their own modifications or to adapt the method to different systems.
Surzycki has been teaching undergraduate courses and leading workshops for many years, during which time he has extensively modified and refined the techniques he has described in this manual.

 

This laboratory manual differs from many of the numerous others currently on the market in that is explains the "Whys" as well as the "Hows" of the most commonly used molecular techniques. ... It is absolutely jam packed full of those little titbits of information that friendly Post Docs occasionally feel inclined to share with students. ... I liked this book, ... (it) is principally aimed at students ... and the emphasis is very definitely on making techniques accessible to these people. ... this particular book more than adequately fills the niche it is intended to cover.

Kate E. Plant, Univ. of Oxford, UK in Journal of Cell Science 2000, 113