Analytical Methods in Molecular Biology

Abstract

This chapter is intended as a quick introduction for newcomers to the field of molecular biology and presents some analytical tools relevant for transplantation research. No detailed protocols will be presented: for this I refer the reader to the vast literature in this field. Two method books, however, should be mentioned in particular. First, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, often referred to as “the Maniatis” [4]. This book was one of the first protocol books for molecular biology and — like no other book — was instrumental in spreading the methodology of molecular biology. Second, I recommend Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (CPMB) [1], which takes a unique approach to dealing with the quickly changing and growing field. CPMB is published in three ring binders (as of 1997) and is updated four times a year. Finally, I would like to draw attention to the catalogues of suppliers of molecular biology reagents, which often contain very useful information in the appendices; the catalogue of New England Biolabs might serve here as a fine example. Some suppliers, such as Promega, will even provide their own method books free of charge.