Insect Molecular Genetics

Rating:
Summary: An excellent all-purpose introduction to insect molecular ge
Review: I was very impressed that a single author could put such a broad range of information into a single book. The information is elementary, but very useful; and chocked-full of references. One third of the book is devoted to a survey of molecular genetics techniques, and even includes simple protocols. I find myself refering to these protocols more often than I do to the more detailed protocol books of Sambrooke etc.. (and Hoys protocols are usually more likely to work.) Then there is a section on insect genomic structure (heterochromatin, euchromatin, satellite sequences, telomeres etc.), and a section on insect development. And finally there is a section on various applications of molecular biology to the study of insect populations, behavior, evolution and so on. I found this to be one of the most useful books that I have ever purchased. My only regret is that most universities do not teach a course for which this book could be used as a text, since molecular biology, and insect genetics would normally be dealt with in SEPARATE courses. Indeed, this book could be used as an introductory textbook for BOTH. It would make an excellent textbook. It is packed with information, the paperback form is not expensive, and it is compact enough that it doesn't take up valuable space on the bookshelf (the way most university textbooks do). Its a shame that it doesn't fit an easily definable university-course niche, because I think Marjorie Hoys book is very special, and deserves to get much more exposure. J. G. Doheny (UBC) (no kin to her at all by the way ;)