An introduction to molecular technology

Abstract

Straightforward explanations of the theory and methods associated with the now widely used molecular/recombinant technologies are not easy to find in the literature. Current research articles in the field rarely explain the theory behind the techniques utilized, or quote the original publication, and this makes life difficult for the student or researcher who is new to the subject. In this chapter, an attempt is made to explain, in relatively simple terms, how nucleic acids can be isolated, analysed and utilized for the genetic manipulation of plants. This serves to provide explanations of the terminology used in the following chapters and the reader is encouraged to refer back to this chapter as necessary. Only a few key papers relating to specific techniques are quoted in Chapter 1, and these citations, along with the suggestions for further reading, are for readers who require more than what is, essentially, an outline and overview of the more widely used tools and techniques.