Calculations for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: A Guide to Mathematics in the Laboratory

Calculations for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: A Guide to Mathematics in the Laboratory, Second Edition, provides an introduction to the myriad of laboratory calculations used in molecular biology and biotechnology. The book begins by discussing the use of scientific notation and metric prefixes, which require the use of exponents and an understanding of significant digits. It explains the mathematics involved in making solutions; the characteristics of cell growth; the multiplicity of infection; and the quantification of nucleic acids. It includes chapters that deal with the mathematics involved in the use of radioisotopes in nucleic acid research; the synthesis of oligonucleotides; the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method; and the development of recombinant DNA technology. Protein quantification and the assessment of protein activity are also discussed, along with the centrifugation method and applications of PCR in forensics and paternity testing.

Topics range from basic scientific notations to complex subjects like nucleic acid chemistry and recombinant DNA technologyEach chapter includes a brief explanation of the concept and covers necessary definitions, theory and rationale for each type of calculationRecent applications of the procedures and computations in clinical, academic, industrial and basic research laboratories are cited throughout the text

New to this Edition:

1. Scientific Notation and Metric Prefixes
2. Solutions, Mixtures, and Media
3. Cell Growth
4. Working with Bacteriophage
5. Quantitation of Nucleic Acids
6. Labeling Nucleic Acids with Radioisotopes
7. Oligonucleotide Synthesis
8. The Polymerase Chain Reaction
9. Real Time PCR
10. Recombinant DNA
11. Protein
12. Centrifugation
13. Forensic Science