Introduction to Genomics

Our genome is the blueprint to our existence: it encodes all the information we need to develop from a single cell into a hugely complicated functional organism. But 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 Genomicsis a fascinating insight into what can be revealed from the study of genomes: how organisms differ or match; 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. Covering the latest techniques that enable us to study the genome in ever-increasing detail, the book explores what the genome tells us about life at the level of the molecule, the cell, and the organism. Learning features throughout make this book the ideal teaching and learning tool: extensive end of chapter exercises and problems help the student to fully grasp the concepts being presented, while end of chapter weblems (web-based problems) and lab assignments give the student the opportunity to engage with the subject in a hands-on manner. The field of genomics is enabling us to analyze life in more detail than ever before;Introduction to Genomicsis the perfect guide to this enthralling subject. Online Resource Centre The Online Resource Centre to accompanyIntroduction to Genomicsfeatures For lecturers: Figures from the book in electronic format For students: Answers to end-of-chapter exercises Guided tour of web sites in genomics Hints to end-of-chapter problems Rotating figures

Arthur M. Lesk is Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at The Pennsylvania State University.