Product Description
The regulation of gene expression in many biological processes involves epigenetic mechanisms. In this new volume, 24 chapters written by experts in the field discuss epigenetic effects from many perspectives. There are chapters on the basic molecular mechanisms underpinning epigenetic regulation, discussion of cellular processes that rely on this kind of regulation, and surveys of organisms in which it has been most studied. Thus, there are chapters on histone and … More >>
#1 by Midwest Book Review on June 26, 2010 - 9:28 am
Epigenetics is a scientific textbook written to teach advanced undergraduate and graduate college students about epigenetic mechanisms, which regulate gene expression in many biological processes. Chapters cover histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, siRNAs and gene silencing, X-chromosome inactivation, epigenetics in microbes, plants, insects and mammals, and much more. An in-depth, scholarly, and informative instructional reference, interspersed with occasional color photographs and diagrams, featuring an extensive list of references and a general summary at the end of each chapter to aid comprehension. An invaluable educational tool for specialized college science courses, as well as for professionals in the field of biology seeking to sharpen their understanding of modern epigenetics.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by George Edick on June 26, 2010 - 11:04 am
It is becoming clear that epigenetic mechanisms are responsible for a large number of “genetic” events in the organism, both under normal and pathological circumstances. This advanced text (suitable for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students) brings together, in a very readable way, the various mechanisms of epigenetic heredity.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by John Matlock on June 26, 2010 - 12:43 pm
Wikipedia says: ‘Epigenetics is the study of epigenetic inheritance, a set of reversible heritable changes in gene function or other cell phenotype that occur without a change in DNA sequence (genotype).’
That’s a pretty general definition, and you can get into some pretty good arguments that this or that word should be changed.
The fundamental discoveries that began the field began to be discussed in 1941, but it grew slowly until fairly recent years. By 2004 the science had developed enough that the 69th Cold Spring Harbor Symposium on Quantitative Biology covered the topic. Many of the authors of this book attended that symposium and the seeds for this book were sown.
The book was written by about forty of the preeminent researchers in the field. It consists of 24 chapters covering virtually all known aspects of the subject. It can serve as a reference work for the current state of the art, or could be used as a text for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses on gene regulation.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Einstein on June 26, 2010 - 1:02 pm
An invaluable resource for people going into the field of epigenetics. The first reference textbook in this quickly growing new field of biology, that has been very carefully and accurately written based on the current literature and research
Rating: 4 / 5
#5 by Armando-Malwani on June 26, 2010 - 3:13 pm
This review provides an excellent overview of the dynamic field of epigenetics. The authors list consists of giants in this field. It is a must read for anyone interested in how phenotypic changes could occur without changes in the DNA sequence would find this a very useful overview. Advanced undergraduates or graduate students would find this book extremely useful.
Rating: 5 / 5