4th Edition
by T. A. Brown (Author)
Genomes 4 has
been completely revised and updated. It is a thoroughly modern textbook
about genomes and how they are investigated. As with Genomes 3,
techniques come first, then genome anatomies, followed by genome
function, and finally genome evolution. The genomes of all types of
organism are covered: viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals
including humans and other hominids.
Genome sequencing and
assembly methods have been thoroughly revised including a survey of four
genome projects: human, Neanderthal, giant panda, and barley. Coverage
of genome annotation emphasizes genome-wide RNA mapping, with CRISPR-Cas
9 and GWAS methods of determining gene function covered. The knowledge
gained from these techniques forms the basis of the three chapters that
describe the three main types of genomes: eukaryotic, prokaryotic
(including eukaryotic organelles), and viral (including mobile genetic
elements). Coverage of genome expression and replication is truly
genomic, concentrating on the genome-wide implications of DNA packaging,
epigenome modifications, DNA-binding proteins, non-coding RNAs,
regulatory genome sequences, and protein-protein interactions. Also
included are applications of transcriptome analysis, metabolomics, and
systems biology. The final chapter is on genome evolution, focusing on
the evolution of the epigenome, using genomics to study human evolution,
and using population genomics to advance plant breeding.
Established methods of molecular biology are included if they are still
relevant today and there is always an explanation as to why the method
is still important.
Each chapter has a set of short-answer
questions, in-depth problems, and annotated further reading. There is
also an extensive glossary. Genomes 4 is the ideal text for upper level courses focused on genomes and genomics.
