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The appearance of another volume in that excellent series, Methods in Enzymology, is always a cause for appreciation for those who wish to successfully carry out a particular technique or prepare an enzyme or metabolic intermediate without the tiresome prospect of searching through unfamiliar literature and perhaps selecting an unproven method which is not easily reproduced.
E-Book Content
Preface Recombinant DNA methods are powerful, revolutionary techniques for at least two reasons. First, they allow the isolation of single genes in large amounts from a pool of thousands or millions of genes. Second, the isolated genes from any source or their regulatory regions can be modified at will and reintroduced into a wide variety of cells by transformation. The cells expressing the introduced gene can be measured at the RNA level or protein level. These advantages allow us to solve complex biological problems, including medical and genetic problems, and to gain deeper understandings at the molecular level. In addition, new recombinant DNA methods are essential tools in the production of novel or better products in the areas of health, agriculture, and industry. The new Volumes 216, 217, and 218 supplement Volumes 153, 154, and 155 of Methods in Enzymology. During the past few years, many new or improved recombinant DNA methods have appeared, and a number of them are included in these new volumes. Volume 216 covers methods related to isolation and detection of DNA and RNA, enzymes for manipulating DNA, reporter genes, and new vectors for cloning genes. Volume 217 includes vectors for expressing cloned genes, mutagenesis, identifying and mapping genes, and methods for transforming animal and plant cells. Volume 218 includes methods for sequencing DNA, PCR for amplifying and manipulating DNA, methods for detecting DNA-protein interactions, and other useful methods. Areas or specific