Our genome is the blueprint for our existence: it encodes all the information we need to develop from a single cell into a hugely complicated functional organism. Yet it is more than a static information store: our genome is a dynamic, tightly-regulated collection of genes, which switch on and off in many combinations to give the variety of cells from which our bodies are formed. But how do we identify the genes that make up our genome? How do we determine their function? And how do different genes form the regulatory networks that direct the processes of life?
Introduction to Genomics is the most up-to-date and complete textbook for students approaching the subject for the first time. Lesk's engaging writing style brings a narrative to a disparate field of study and offers a fascinating insight into what can be revealed from the study of genomes. Introduction to Genomics covers: the similarities and differences between organisms; how different organisms evolved; how the genome is constructed and how it operates; and what our understanding of genomics means in terms of our future health and wellbeing.
New to this Edition:
- Two new chapters focused on human genomics, health and disease with particular emphasis on the concrete outcomes of the human genome project and advances in cancer genomics.
- A comprehensive introductory chapter that 'sets the scene' for new students of genomics.
- A new feature that links the topics covered in each chapter.
- New and updated chapter exercises, problems and weblems.
- Highlighted key terms are collated in a glossary at the end of the book.
1: Introduction
2: The Human Genome Project
3: Mapping, Sequencing, Annotation, and Databases
4: Evolution and Genomic Change
5: Genomes of Prokaryotes and Viruses
6: Genomes of Eukaryotes
7: Comparative Genomics
8: The Impact of Genomics on Human Health and Disease
9: Genomics and Anthropology
10: Transcriptomics
11: Proteomics
12: Metabolomics
13: Systems Biology
Arthur M. Lesk is Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at The Pennsylvania State University, USA.
Reviews from the previous edition:
"This is an excellent book for students studying this exciting and fast paced subject. It has a number of chapters covering all aspect of genomics, from comparative genomics and evolution to mapping, sequencing and databases through to microarrays and proteomics, finally bringing it all together with systems biology. Suitable for final year undergraduates and masters students, it will also make a good reference book for PhD students"
– Dr Dawn L. Arnold, University of the West of England,
"This is a very versatile textbook that offers a good overview of genomics in different areas of biological research. It is an excellent introduction for students from different degrees who have an interest in genomics and its underlying techniques."
– Dr Thomas Caspari, Bangor University
"Arthur Lesk is an eloquent writer. I am impressed by his use of specific examples, analogies, and humour to illuminate scientific principles. His writing in Introduction to Genomics is fluid and easy to read."
– Dr Daniel G. Peterson, Mississippi State University
"Introduction to Genomics provides an excellent, broad and comprehensive overview of genomics research in biology. The field of genomics is highly technology driven and moves extremely fast and this book stands out in translating all this technological information into biological, meaningful concepts. It is highly appropriate to support genomics education to undergraduates."
– Dr Dick Roelofs, VU University, Amsterdam