Biodegradation of nitroaromatic compounds

232

Biotechnology Book Reviews

strongly recommended reading for both non-scientists and scientists alike. C B Brice

Genetic Engineering Dreams and Nightmares by E n z o Russo and David Cove. pp 243. W H F r e e m a n / Spektrum. 1995. £16.99 ISBN 0-7167-4546-1 The aim of this book is to present, to a non-scientifically trained public, an unbiased panoramic view of the techniques and potential consequences of genetic engineering. No mean feat this, even for such distinguished and experienced authors, when the rate of progress in this field is such that even trained students of science must struggle to stay abreast of developments. Yet the applications of genetic engineering and its potential consequences in social, economic and ecological terms are so colossal that the need for an informed public, able to monitor developments, voice opinions and ultimately influence policy direction is paramount if we are not to relinquish responsibility for the future development of our society to a select group of individuals, however well intentioned they might be! Fully understanding the techniques of genetic engineering requires an underpinning knowledge of cell and molecular biology. This situation creates a factual 'iceberg' for the non-scientist reader with the danger that any interest in genetic engineering and its consequences could be dulled by coverage of the large volume of seemingly esoteric supporting material. This pitfall has been avoided both by careful structuring the sections containing the support material and through the use of three very welcome 'demystifying tools'. First the frequent use of analogies facilitates the visualisation of cellular and molecular structures in more familiar everyday terms, secondly the etymologically-based approach to the explanation of scientific terms reveals their meanings in an interesting and user-friendly way and finally the frequent use of relevant historical and scientific anecdotes keeps the interest level well up throughout. The provision of a glossary and a carefully structured bibliography will also enhance understanding of the subject matter of the book. The one area of communication which I felt let the book down was that of illustration. Effective diagrams and photographs are such powerful tools that it was disappointing to find only monochrome examples used (although I acknowledge that cost is an important factor here). More importantly however, I felt that the continuity between successive diagrams in a related series was often less than obvious. Although trained biologists will undoubtedly be able to interpret the illustrations and relate them one to another to obtain the bigger picture, I am less confident of their effectiveness on the proposed target readership of this book. Coverage of the subject material is certainly very broad, well structured and thought-provoking. The contents fall into three well defined sections. The first reviews cellular structure, organisation and molecular biology of the life processes and culminates in a discussion of the principle techniques of gene cloning. The second builds upon these principles and discusses current applications of the technology and its future potential in the areas of food and medicine production, the diagnosis of inherited disease, gene therapy and the molecular biology of cancer. The final part examines genetic engineering in the wider context of the interests and activities of human society, including eugenics. It also reviews some of the major ethical issues arising from recent advances in molecular biology such as the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, human embryo research, the modification of genes in the human germ line and the consequences of the potential for misuse of genetic screening. This is a lucid and thought-provoking account of some of the problems and benefits in store for the human race, and of our responsibilities now that the genie is out of the bottle. It is

BIOCHEMICAL EDUCATION 25(4) 1997

Methods in Biotechnology--Immobilization Enzymes and Cells

of

Edited by G F Bickerstaff. pp 367. H u m a n a Press, New Jersey. 1996 ISBN 0-89603-386-4 Following the successful launch and acceptance of the Methods in Molecular Biology series, Humana Press have now adopted the same format in the field of applied biotechnology. On the whole, this format works well for Immobilization of Enzymes and Cells. However, Gordon Bickerstaff states in the preface that the volume is a basic reference for those 'seeking to start or expand the use of immobilization in their work'. While this may be true of those wishing to expand their horizons of immobilization, the book falls some way short for those exploring immobilization for the first time. Although the book covers a wide range of techniques, the guidance on how to make a rational choice of technique is limited. This may reflect an expectation that most readers would be armed with information about particular biocatalysts, therefore allowing the book to be browsed and a suitable method chosen. This may well be the case for some practitioners, but it is my view that the book could also have readily addressed the novice. The opening chapter deals with the standard immobilization methodology and the advantages and disadvantages of the various immobilization options. There is certainly scope here for expansion to include the specific applications dealt with later in the book, eg is the primary purpose to fabricate a microelectrode or to recover the biocatalyst? Moreover, subsectioning on the basis of application, cell type or mode of immobilization (eg entrapment versus covalent binding) would have greatly enhanced the appeal of the book. It appears to have been written from the perspective of choosing a support, rather than applicability to a desired biocatalyst. As a laboratory handbook for those who have at least some knowledge of their application and catalyst the book comes highly recommended. Whilst some chapters are very brief other chapters are excellently written allowing, for example, even the novice to approach hepatocyte immobilization with confidence. The author and the publishers should be congratulated on the way the techniques are presented with excellent notes throughout. My only reservation is that the organisation of the book could have been improved to extend its appeal to a wider audience. G K Robinson

Biodegradation of Nitroaromatic Compounds Edited by J C Spain. pp 232. Plenum Press, New York and London. 1995. $79.59 ISBN 0-306-45014-3 This book is based in part on the Symposium on Biodegradation of Nitro-aromatic Compounds which took place in Las Vegas in 1994. It is composed of twelve chapters, all written by experts of this particular field. It deals with the role of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and of fungi. The text is clear and easy to understand, even for the non-specialist. In my opinion, this book will be of more value to researchers in the field, but I think that many examples of biodegradation may be useful for illustration of metabolic pathways and of detoxication. Furthermore, subjects such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene degradation by Phanaerochaete chrysosporium may be used in lectures to illustrate applications of biotechnology in environmental biology as it describes remediation of TNTcontaminated soil. All chapters have an extensive and up-to-date bibliography. J Wallach