Molecular Biology Problem Solver: A Laboratory Guide

Most research in the life sciences involves a core set of molecular-based equipment and methods, for which there is no shortage of step-by-step protocols. Nonetheless, there remains an exceedingly high number of inquiries placed to commercial technical support groups, especially regarding problems.
Molecular Biology Problem Solver: A Laboratory Guide asks the reader to consider crucial questions, such as:

- Have you selected the most appropriate research strategy?

- Have you identified the issues critical to your successful application of a technique?

- Are you familiar with the limitations of a given technique?

- When should common procedural rules of thumb not be applied?

- What strategies could you apply to resolve a problem?

A unique question-based format reviews common assumptions and laboratory practices, with the aim of offering a firm understanding of how techniques and procedures work, as well as how to avoid problems. Some major issues explored by the book's expert contributors include:

- Working safely with biological samples and radioactive materials

- DNA and RNA purification

- PCR

- Protein and nucleid acid hybridization

- Prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems

- Properly using and maintaining laboratory equipment