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Clonal forestry I and II
287
Synthesizing oligonucleotides Protocols for Oligonucleotide Conjugates. Methods in Molecular Biology Volume 26
edited by Sudhir Agrawal, Humana Press, 1993• US$59.50 (xiv + 377 pages) ISBN 0 896 03252 3
This is an extremely useful and well-produced volume of Methods in Molecular Biology. A very-wellqualified and prestigious group of authors has been assembled to produce an up-to-date review of current topics in this important and growing field. The applications of synthetic ohgonucleotides in molecular biology, diagnostics, antisense technology and related topics have increased greatly in recent years. This volume is therefore timely, bringing together a number of useful techniques in a clear and concise style. The companion volume: Protocolsfor
Oligonucleotides and Analogues, Synthesis and Properties contains a series of complementary topics, and research scientists active in the field of nucleic acid research should have both volumes available for reference and general information. The following topics are discussed in this volume:
protecting groups m oligonucleotide synthesis; the incorporation of modified bases, functionalization with amino groups and attachment of amino-specific reporter groups; incorporation of thiol-specific reporter groups; post-synthetic functionalization of ohgonucleotides, oligonucleotide-enzyme conjugates; ohgonucleotides containing degenerate bases; 15N-labelled D N A fragments; high-performance hquid chromatography (HPLC) purification of oligonucleotides; sequence analysis; capillary-gel electrophoresis analysis; nuclear magnetic resonance (NM1K) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and ultraviolet melting studies on oligonucleotides. In addition to the valuable information contained in the chapters, the up-to-date references provide the reader with an easy
Taming the giants Clonal Forestry I and II
edited by M. R. Ahuja and W.J. Libby, Springer-Verlag, 1993. DM198.00 (each volume) (viii + 277 pages)/(viii + 240pages) ISBN 3 540 52501 7/3 540 557148
Currently, there is considerable interest in improving the quantity and quality of the planet's forests. This should create not only a continuous supply of an economically important renewable resource, but also satisfy the need for environmental improvements. With several genera, forestry practice based upon the planting of clones of superior trees is already a reality, while with other species,
research and development are at an advancedstage. Against this promising background, the publication of these two volumes is timely. Clearly, the editors have researched the scope of the contributions well and, thus, have produced a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatise on the theory and current practice of clonal forestry, drawing from experienced
route into the primary literature. The book is well balanced, containing methods for synthesizing chemically modified oligonucleotides, as well as methods for analysing and purifying them. Currently, there is considerable current interest in the synthesis of oligonucleotides conjugated to enzymes. The techniques for achieving this are described by Jerry Ruth in a chapter that also contains useful tips on the use of such ohgonucleotides in hybridizations to target nucleic acids. The editor has also had the foresight to include a chapter on capillary-zone electrophoresis, written by Alex Andrus of Applied Biosystems. This is an important technique, with very high resolution, that should be used more widely. The chapters on NM1K spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and ultraviolet melting should also attract considerable interest. In summary, this is a useful and attractive book for scientists actively engaged in research and development in the field of nucleic acids and oligonucleotides. Tom Brown Department of Chemistry, Universityof Edinburgh, Kings Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, UK EH9 3JJ.
authors in both academia and industry. Volume I has two introductory chapters, one of which discusses meanings of the word 'clone'. The subsequent 13 chapters deal primarily with background theory, covering key areas of tree genetics, breeding, vegetative propagation and physiology. Genetics and breeding are discussed in relation to clonal identification, the molecular structure of trees, selection and breeding, field trialling of vegetative propagules, and strategies for clonal deployment. Another contribution considers the vegetative propagation of conifers from a commercial perspective. Two useful chapters describe tree maturation, a process that usually adversely affects the rooting of cuttings and, therefore, also hinders tree cloning. One of these chapters portrays maturation as a TIBTECHJULY1994(VOL12)
288
book reviews developmental process, w h i l e the other considers its reversal, outlining methods that have been used to 'rejuvenate' mature trees, several o f w h i c h rely on tissueculture-based ' b i o t e c h n o l o g y ' . T h e r e are several chapters on the use o f such biotechnology, not only in rejuvenation, but also for cloning and genetic manipulation. These describe progress in micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, genetic variation p r o d u c e d by regeneration in vitro and D N A transfer into conifers. A further chapter explores the use o f clonal material in studies o f the genetics and physiology o f forest trees. V o l u m e II is m o r e applied, and begins w i t h two r e v i e w chapters on the basis for, and application of, clonal forestry. T h e third chapter looks at the conservation o f forest tree germplasm. T h e following nine chapters describe the d e v e l o p m e n t o f clonal forestry for a range o f temperate species from the d e v e l o p e d world. These include Cryptomeria japonica,
Picea abies, Pinus radiata, Sequoia sempervirens and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis. T h e r e is also an account o f tropical species, namely Tectona grandis, Tamarindus indica and bamboos. Given the m o v e towards energy forestry, there is a useful chapter on poplars and willows, and another chapter traces the progress made w i t h Eucalyptus. T h e r e is also an interesting account o f the d e v e l o p m e n t and i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f a policy for reafforestation, w i t h poplars, o f parts o f Eastern Ontario. After the preceding accounts detailing progress w i t h clonal forestry, in the final chapter, readers are r e m i n d e d o f regulations and laws that currently are being introduced to control the planting o f tree clones! If there is one p r o b l e m w i t h these t w o volumes, it is that most examples are drawn f r o m temperate conifers and fastgrowing, mainly temperate, broad-leaved species. O n l y one chapter is d e v o t e d to tropical species. This is in spite o f the
Books received Review copies of the following books have been received. Books which have b e e n r e v i e w e d in Trends in Biotechnology are not included. T h e appearance o f a b o o k in the list does not preclude the possibility o f it being r e v i e w e d in the future.
Coombs, J. Macmillan Dictionary of Bioteehnology Macmillan Press, 1994. UK£13.99 (364 pages) ISBN 0 333 57823 6 Ellis, K. J. and Eastman, J. D. (eds) Human Body Composition In Vivo Methods, Models and Assessment Plenum Publishing Corporation, 1993. U85110.00 (xvi + 400 pages) ISBN 0 306 44569 7 Frankel, A. E. (ed.) Genetically Engineered Toxins Marcel Dekker, 1992. US$175.00 (xvi+494 pages) ISBN 0 8247 8454 5 Hooper, ,N. M. and Turner, A.J. (eds) Lipid Modificatin of Proteins - A Practical Approach IICL at Oxford University Press, 1992. UK£22.50 (xx + 290 pages) ISBN 0 19 68273 1 Hounsell, E.F. (ed.) Glycoprotein Analysis in Biomedicine Humana, 1993. US$49.50 (xi + 309 pages) ISBN 0 89603 26 4 Isaac, S., Frankland, J. C., Watling, R. and Whalley, A. J. S. (eds) Aspects of Tropical Mycology Cambridge University Press, 1993. UK£50.00/US$89.95 (ix + 325 pages) ISBN 0 521 45050 0
IBTECHJULY1994 (VOL12)
Kroll, R. G., Gilmour, A. and Sussman, M. (eds) New Techniques in Food and Beverage Microbiology Blackwell Scientific, 1993. UK£35.00 (xv + 302 pages) ISBN 0 632 03755 5 Lorand, L. and Mann, K. G. (eds) Methods in Enzymology Vol. 223 Academic Press, 1993. UK£50.00 (xxviii + 433 pages) ISBN 0 12 182124 2 Margalith, P. Z. Pigment Microbiology Chapman & Hall, 1992. UK£35.00 (xviii + 156 pages) ISBN 0 412 41050 8 Neville, A. C. Biology of Fibrous Composites: Development Beyond the Cell Membrane Cambridge University Press, 1993. UK£35.00 (vii + 214 pages) ISBN 0 521 41051 7 Ngo, T. T. (ed.) Molecular Interactions in BioseparationsPlenum Publishing Corporation, 1993. U8595.00 (xvii + 570 pages) ISBN 0 306 44435 6 Passonneau, J. V. and Lowry, O. H. Enzymatic Enzyme Analysis Humana Press, 1993. U5569.50 (x + 403 pages) ISBN 0 59603 238 8
strategic importance o f tropical forests, not only to developing economies, but also to the maintenance o f the global ecosystem. Similarly, there is little coverage o f s l o w e r - g r o w i n g temperate broad-leaved species. H o w e v e r , these apparent omissions may, to some extent, simply reflect the slower progress being made w i t h these groups o f species. These volumes represent the most valuable publications in this subject area, to date. Each v o l u m e has a comprehensive glossary and index, both o f w h i c h are easy to use. In the future, there is likely to be increasing interest in the d e v e l o p m e n t and exploitation o f forest tree clones. Therefore, I r e c o m m e n d b o t h books to any student, researcher or organization interested in the science o f clonal forestry. ;'Veil H a m m a t t
Horticulture Research International, East Mailing, West Mailing, Kent, UK ME19 6BJ. Powell, W. and Hillman, J. R. (eds) Opportunities and Problemsit* Plant Biotechnology The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 1992. UK£29.00 (vii + 182 pages) IKees, A. R., Sternberg, M. J. E. and Wetzel, R. (eds) Protein Engineering - A Practical Approach IRL at Oxford University Press, 1992. UK£25.00 (xxv + 397 pages) ISBN 0 19 63138 7 Revzin, A. (ed.) Eootprinting of Nucleic Acid-Protein Complexes Academic Press, 1993. US$49.95 (xxi + 193 pages) ISBN 0 12 586500 7 Rickwood, D. (ed.) Preparative Centrifugation - A Practical Approach IR£ Press at Oxford University"Press, 1992. UK£25.00 (xv + 399 pages) ISBN 019 963211 1 Roubelakis-Angelakis, K. A. and Thanh Van, K. T. (eds) Morphogenesis in Plants: Moledular Approaches Plenum Publishing Corporation, 1993. US$89.50 (viii + 283 pages) ISBN 0 306 44597 2 Tjamos, E. C., Papavizas, G. C. and Cook, R.J. (eds) Biological Control of Plant Diseases Progress and Challengesfor the Future Plenum Press, 1992. US$115.00 (xiii + 462 pages) ISBN 0 306 44230 2 Weir, E. K., Hume, J. R. and Reeves, J. T. (eds) Ion Flux in Vascular Contwl Plenum Publishing Corporation, 1993. US$1105.00 (ix + 347 pages) ISBN 0 306 445661 1 WHO Evaluation of Certain Veterinary Drug Residues in Food WHO, 1993. 8Fr10.00 (vi + 62 pages) ISBN 92 41205322 5
Synthesizing oligonucleotides Protocols for Oligonucleotide Conjugates. Methods in Molecular Biology Volume 26
edited by Sudhir Agrawal, Humana Press, 1993• US$59.50 (xiv + 377 pages) ISBN 0 896 03252 3
This is an extremely useful and well-produced volume of Methods in Molecular Biology. A very-wellqualified and prestigious group of authors has been assembled to produce an up-to-date review of current topics in this important and growing field. The applications of synthetic ohgonucleotides in molecular biology, diagnostics, antisense technology and related topics have increased greatly in recent years. This volume is therefore timely, bringing together a number of useful techniques in a clear and concise style. The companion volume: Protocolsfor
Oligonucleotides and Analogues, Synthesis and Properties contains a series of complementary topics, and research scientists active in the field of nucleic acid research should have both volumes available for reference and general information. The following topics are discussed in this volume:
protecting groups m oligonucleotide synthesis; the incorporation of modified bases, functionalization with amino groups and attachment of amino-specific reporter groups; incorporation of thiol-specific reporter groups; post-synthetic functionalization of ohgonucleotides, oligonucleotide-enzyme conjugates; ohgonucleotides containing degenerate bases; 15N-labelled D N A fragments; high-performance hquid chromatography (HPLC) purification of oligonucleotides; sequence analysis; capillary-gel electrophoresis analysis; nuclear magnetic resonance (NM1K) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and ultraviolet melting studies on oligonucleotides. In addition to the valuable information contained in the chapters, the up-to-date references provide the reader with an easy
Taming the giants Clonal Forestry I and II
edited by M. R. Ahuja and W.J. Libby, Springer-Verlag, 1993. DM198.00 (each volume) (viii + 277 pages)/(viii + 240pages) ISBN 3 540 52501 7/3 540 557148
Currently, there is considerable interest in improving the quantity and quality of the planet's forests. This should create not only a continuous supply of an economically important renewable resource, but also satisfy the need for environmental improvements. With several genera, forestry practice based upon the planting of clones of superior trees is already a reality, while with other species,
research and development are at an advancedstage. Against this promising background, the publication of these two volumes is timely. Clearly, the editors have researched the scope of the contributions well and, thus, have produced a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatise on the theory and current practice of clonal forestry, drawing from experienced
route into the primary literature. The book is well balanced, containing methods for synthesizing chemically modified oligonucleotides, as well as methods for analysing and purifying them. Currently, there is considerable current interest in the synthesis of oligonucleotides conjugated to enzymes. The techniques for achieving this are described by Jerry Ruth in a chapter that also contains useful tips on the use of such ohgonucleotides in hybridizations to target nucleic acids. The editor has also had the foresight to include a chapter on capillary-zone electrophoresis, written by Alex Andrus of Applied Biosystems. This is an important technique, with very high resolution, that should be used more widely. The chapters on NM1K spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and ultraviolet melting should also attract considerable interest. In summary, this is a useful and attractive book for scientists actively engaged in research and development in the field of nucleic acids and oligonucleotides. Tom Brown Department of Chemistry, Universityof Edinburgh, Kings Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, UK EH9 3JJ.
authors in both academia and industry. Volume I has two introductory chapters, one of which discusses meanings of the word 'clone'. The subsequent 13 chapters deal primarily with background theory, covering key areas of tree genetics, breeding, vegetative propagation and physiology. Genetics and breeding are discussed in relation to clonal identification, the molecular structure of trees, selection and breeding, field trialling of vegetative propagules, and strategies for clonal deployment. Another contribution considers the vegetative propagation of conifers from a commercial perspective. Two useful chapters describe tree maturation, a process that usually adversely affects the rooting of cuttings and, therefore, also hinders tree cloning. One of these chapters portrays maturation as a TIBTECHJULY1994(VOL12)
288
book reviews developmental process, w h i l e the other considers its reversal, outlining methods that have been used to 'rejuvenate' mature trees, several o f w h i c h rely on tissueculture-based ' b i o t e c h n o l o g y ' . T h e r e are several chapters on the use o f such biotechnology, not only in rejuvenation, but also for cloning and genetic manipulation. These describe progress in micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, genetic variation p r o d u c e d by regeneration in vitro and D N A transfer into conifers. A further chapter explores the use o f clonal material in studies o f the genetics and physiology o f forest trees. V o l u m e II is m o r e applied, and begins w i t h two r e v i e w chapters on the basis for, and application of, clonal forestry. T h e third chapter looks at the conservation o f forest tree germplasm. T h e following nine chapters describe the d e v e l o p m e n t o f clonal forestry for a range o f temperate species from the d e v e l o p e d world. These include Cryptomeria japonica,
Picea abies, Pinus radiata, Sequoia sempervirens and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis. T h e r e is also an account o f tropical species, namely Tectona grandis, Tamarindus indica and bamboos. Given the m o v e towards energy forestry, there is a useful chapter on poplars and willows, and another chapter traces the progress made w i t h Eucalyptus. T h e r e is also an interesting account o f the d e v e l o p m e n t and i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f a policy for reafforestation, w i t h poplars, o f parts o f Eastern Ontario. After the preceding accounts detailing progress w i t h clonal forestry, in the final chapter, readers are r e m i n d e d o f regulations and laws that currently are being introduced to control the planting o f tree clones! If there is one p r o b l e m w i t h these t w o volumes, it is that most examples are drawn f r o m temperate conifers and fastgrowing, mainly temperate, broad-leaved species. O n l y one chapter is d e v o t e d to tropical species. This is in spite o f the
Books received Review copies of the following books have been received. Books which have b e e n r e v i e w e d in Trends in Biotechnology are not included. T h e appearance o f a b o o k in the list does not preclude the possibility o f it being r e v i e w e d in the future.
Coombs, J. Macmillan Dictionary of Bioteehnology Macmillan Press, 1994. UK£13.99 (364 pages) ISBN 0 333 57823 6 Ellis, K. J. and Eastman, J. D. (eds) Human Body Composition In Vivo Methods, Models and Assessment Plenum Publishing Corporation, 1993. U85110.00 (xvi + 400 pages) ISBN 0 306 44569 7 Frankel, A. E. (ed.) Genetically Engineered Toxins Marcel Dekker, 1992. US$175.00 (xvi+494 pages) ISBN 0 8247 8454 5 Hooper, ,N. M. and Turner, A.J. (eds) Lipid Modificatin of Proteins - A Practical Approach IICL at Oxford University Press, 1992. UK£22.50 (xx + 290 pages) ISBN 0 19 68273 1 Hounsell, E.F. (ed.) Glycoprotein Analysis in Biomedicine Humana, 1993. US$49.50 (xi + 309 pages) ISBN 0 89603 26 4 Isaac, S., Frankland, J. C., Watling, R. and Whalley, A. J. S. (eds) Aspects of Tropical Mycology Cambridge University Press, 1993. UK£50.00/US$89.95 (ix + 325 pages) ISBN 0 521 45050 0
IBTECHJULY1994 (VOL12)
Kroll, R. G., Gilmour, A. and Sussman, M. (eds) New Techniques in Food and Beverage Microbiology Blackwell Scientific, 1993. UK£35.00 (xv + 302 pages) ISBN 0 632 03755 5 Lorand, L. and Mann, K. G. (eds) Methods in Enzymology Vol. 223 Academic Press, 1993. UK£50.00 (xxviii + 433 pages) ISBN 0 12 182124 2 Margalith, P. Z. Pigment Microbiology Chapman & Hall, 1992. UK£35.00 (xviii + 156 pages) ISBN 0 412 41050 8 Neville, A. C. Biology of Fibrous Composites: Development Beyond the Cell Membrane Cambridge University Press, 1993. UK£35.00 (vii + 214 pages) ISBN 0 521 41051 7 Ngo, T. T. (ed.) Molecular Interactions in BioseparationsPlenum Publishing Corporation, 1993. U8595.00 (xvii + 570 pages) ISBN 0 306 44435 6 Passonneau, J. V. and Lowry, O. H. Enzymatic Enzyme Analysis Humana Press, 1993. U5569.50 (x + 403 pages) ISBN 0 59603 238 8
strategic importance o f tropical forests, not only to developing economies, but also to the maintenance o f the global ecosystem. Similarly, there is little coverage o f s l o w e r - g r o w i n g temperate broad-leaved species. H o w e v e r , these apparent omissions may, to some extent, simply reflect the slower progress being made w i t h these groups o f species. These volumes represent the most valuable publications in this subject area, to date. Each v o l u m e has a comprehensive glossary and index, both o f w h i c h are easy to use. In the future, there is likely to be increasing interest in the d e v e l o p m e n t and exploitation o f forest tree clones. Therefore, I r e c o m m e n d b o t h books to any student, researcher or organization interested in the science o f clonal forestry. ;'Veil H a m m a t t
Horticulture Research International, East Mailing, West Mailing, Kent, UK ME19 6BJ. Powell, W. and Hillman, J. R. (eds) Opportunities and Problemsit* Plant Biotechnology The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 1992. UK£29.00 (vii + 182 pages) IKees, A. R., Sternberg, M. J. E. and Wetzel, R. (eds) Protein Engineering - A Practical Approach IRL at Oxford University Press, 1992. UK£25.00 (xxv + 397 pages) ISBN 0 19 63138 7 Revzin, A. (ed.) Eootprinting of Nucleic Acid-Protein Complexes Academic Press, 1993. US$49.95 (xxi + 193 pages) ISBN 0 12 586500 7 Rickwood, D. (ed.) Preparative Centrifugation - A Practical Approach IR£ Press at Oxford University"Press, 1992. UK£25.00 (xv + 399 pages) ISBN 019 963211 1 Roubelakis-Angelakis, K. A. and Thanh Van, K. T. (eds) Morphogenesis in Plants: Moledular Approaches Plenum Publishing Corporation, 1993. US$89.50 (viii + 283 pages) ISBN 0 306 44597 2 Tjamos, E. C., Papavizas, G. C. and Cook, R.J. (eds) Biological Control of Plant Diseases Progress and Challengesfor the Future Plenum Press, 1992. US$115.00 (xiii + 462 pages) ISBN 0 306 44230 2 Weir, E. K., Hume, J. R. and Reeves, J. T. (eds) Ion Flux in Vascular Contwl Plenum Publishing Corporation, 1993. US$1105.00 (ix + 347 pages) ISBN 0 306 445661 1 WHO Evaluation of Certain Veterinary Drug Residues in Food WHO, 1993. 8Fr10.00 (vi + 62 pages) ISBN 92 41205322 5