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Thermophiles
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY159,4 l2 ( 1986)
BOOK
REVIEWS
Monoclonal Antibody Technology: The Production and Characterization of Rodent aad Human Hybridomas. By AKSA M. CAMBELL (In the series: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Edited by R. H. BURDON AND P. H. VAN KNIPPENBERG), Elsevier, Amsterdam/New York, 1985. 265 pp. $73.00 (hardback), $26.50 (paper). This book is a laboratory manual describing a large number of the basic procedures involved in tbe production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies. Chapter 1 provides a brief overview of the general properties of monoclonal antibodies; this includes their advantages and disadvantages over polyclonal sera. Chapter 2 is devoted to assaytechniques. Although not exhaustive, it does cover the most commonly used procedures. Chapters 3 and 4 deal with animal and cell line selection and the process of Experiments in Molecular Biology. Edited by ROBERT J. SLATER, Humana Press, Clifton, N.J., 1986. 416 pp., $27.50. “Experiments in Molecular Biology” is a laboratory manual suitable for an advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate course intended to teach techniques of modem biology. It offers detailed protocols ranging from chemical (Dansyl-Edman) to microbiological (Ames test) methods. The format is sufficiently versatile to serveeither a short workshop or a full academic year biochemistry laboratory. It comes ring-bound for convenient bench-side reference. Experiments are outlined by chapter, each of which refers to an extensive appendix for preparatory guidance. Instructors are aided by suggestionsfor dovetailing different protocols, and careful attention has been paid to timing of experiments. A concise introduction accompanies each chapter. Although some attempt is made to hold down the cost of some procedures, this manual describes many of the
immunization (specific protocols are given). Chapters 57 describe the cell culture conditions required for hybridoma growth, fusion, and the transformation of B lymphocytes. Chapter 9 is then devoted to hybridoma selection and cloning. Particularly useful is a section devoted to troubleshooting alter failure of a cloning procedure. The final chapter deals with the characterization of monoclonal antibodies and hybridomas. The book also has three appendices: animal handling techniques, addresses of suppliers, and a protocol for polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The book should be very useful for those hoping to establish monoclonal antibody production “from the ground up.” It may also be useful as a laboratory manual for those already involved in hybridoma production. JOHN A. HANOVER high-tech (expensive) methods in use today (short of DNA sequencing). Protein, RNA and especially DNA analytical techniques such as agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, blotting, and in vitro protein synthesis are applied in reasonably scaled experiments. Many of the shortcuts we typically employ are avoided. Some of the procedures seem too complex and laborious for student and preparer alike. Most of the references provided are the original, but occasionally an upto-date one is included. Jargon has been kept to a minimum, and typos and mistakes are rare. Basic experiments in immunology and microbial enzyme induction round out this biotech primer. Minor complaints aside, this volume represents a successful effort of many contributors to provide us with a practical, prepackaged guide to instructing students and technicians for today’s biology laboratories.
SANFORD J. SILVERMAN
Briefly Noted Thermophiles, THOMAS D. BROCK (Ed.), Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1986. 316 pp.
on methods of isolation, growth, and the study of the physiology of thermophiles are presented along with chapters on the genetic apparatus and on membranes. The last hundred pages deal with various applications of thermostable enzymes and organisms, including the produo tion of ethanol and chemicals, waste treatment, and microbial mining.
Here is broad coverage of tbe thermophilic bacteria, organisms growing at high temperatures which are of interest in themselves but have recently been found useful in biotechnology because of this trait. The basis for the greater stability at high temperatures is explored. Chapters 0003-2697186 $3.00 Copyright 0 1986 by Academic Press, Inc. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.
412
BOOK
REVIEWS
Monoclonal Antibody Technology: The Production and Characterization of Rodent aad Human Hybridomas. By AKSA M. CAMBELL (In the series: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Edited by R. H. BURDON AND P. H. VAN KNIPPENBERG), Elsevier, Amsterdam/New York, 1985. 265 pp. $73.00 (hardback), $26.50 (paper). This book is a laboratory manual describing a large number of the basic procedures involved in tbe production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies. Chapter 1 provides a brief overview of the general properties of monoclonal antibodies; this includes their advantages and disadvantages over polyclonal sera. Chapter 2 is devoted to assaytechniques. Although not exhaustive, it does cover the most commonly used procedures. Chapters 3 and 4 deal with animal and cell line selection and the process of Experiments in Molecular Biology. Edited by ROBERT J. SLATER, Humana Press, Clifton, N.J., 1986. 416 pp., $27.50. “Experiments in Molecular Biology” is a laboratory manual suitable for an advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate course intended to teach techniques of modem biology. It offers detailed protocols ranging from chemical (Dansyl-Edman) to microbiological (Ames test) methods. The format is sufficiently versatile to serveeither a short workshop or a full academic year biochemistry laboratory. It comes ring-bound for convenient bench-side reference. Experiments are outlined by chapter, each of which refers to an extensive appendix for preparatory guidance. Instructors are aided by suggestionsfor dovetailing different protocols, and careful attention has been paid to timing of experiments. A concise introduction accompanies each chapter. Although some attempt is made to hold down the cost of some procedures, this manual describes many of the
immunization (specific protocols are given). Chapters 57 describe the cell culture conditions required for hybridoma growth, fusion, and the transformation of B lymphocytes. Chapter 9 is then devoted to hybridoma selection and cloning. Particularly useful is a section devoted to troubleshooting alter failure of a cloning procedure. The final chapter deals with the characterization of monoclonal antibodies and hybridomas. The book also has three appendices: animal handling techniques, addresses of suppliers, and a protocol for polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The book should be very useful for those hoping to establish monoclonal antibody production “from the ground up.” It may also be useful as a laboratory manual for those already involved in hybridoma production. JOHN A. HANOVER high-tech (expensive) methods in use today (short of DNA sequencing). Protein, RNA and especially DNA analytical techniques such as agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, blotting, and in vitro protein synthesis are applied in reasonably scaled experiments. Many of the shortcuts we typically employ are avoided. Some of the procedures seem too complex and laborious for student and preparer alike. Most of the references provided are the original, but occasionally an upto-date one is included. Jargon has been kept to a minimum, and typos and mistakes are rare. Basic experiments in immunology and microbial enzyme induction round out this biotech primer. Minor complaints aside, this volume represents a successful effort of many contributors to provide us with a practical, prepackaged guide to instructing students and technicians for today’s biology laboratories.
SANFORD J. SILVERMAN
Briefly Noted Thermophiles, THOMAS D. BROCK (Ed.), Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1986. 316 pp.
on methods of isolation, growth, and the study of the physiology of thermophiles are presented along with chapters on the genetic apparatus and on membranes. The last hundred pages deal with various applications of thermostable enzymes and organisms, including the produo tion of ethanol and chemicals, waste treatment, and microbial mining.
Here is broad coverage of tbe thermophilic bacteria, organisms growing at high temperatures which are of interest in themselves but have recently been found useful in biotechnology because of this trait. The basis for the greater stability at high temperatures is explored. Chapters 0003-2697186 $3.00 Copyright 0 1986 by Academic Press, Inc. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.
412