Insect Molecular Genetics: An Introduction to Principles and Applications

Insect Molecular Genetics, Third Edition, summarizes and synthesizes two rather disparate disciplines—entomology and molecular genetics. This volume provides an introduction to the techniques and literature of molecular genetics; defines terminology; and reviews concepts, principles, and applications of these powerful tools. The world of insect molecular genetics, once dominated by Drosophila, has become much more diverse, especially with the sequencing of multiple arthropod genomes (from spider mites to mosquitoes). This introduction includes discussion of honey bees, mosquitoes, flour beetles, silk moths, fruit flies, aphids, house flies, kissing bugs, cicadas, butterflies, tsetse flies and armyworms.

This book serves as both a foundational text and a review of a rapidly growing literature. With fully revised and updated chapters, the third edition will be a valuable addition to the personal libraries of entomologists, geneticists, and molecular biologists.

Up-to-date references to important review articles, websites, and seminal citations in the disciplinesWell crafted and instructive illustrations integral to explaining the techniques of molecular geneticsGlossary of terms to help beginners learn the vocabulary of molecular biology

PART I: GENES AND GENOME ORGANIZATION IN EUKARYOTES

1. DNA, Gene Structure, and DNA Replication

2. Transcription, Translation, and Regulation of Eukaryotic DNA

3. Nuclear and Extranuclear DNA in Insects

4. Genetic Systems, Genome Evolution, and Genetic Control of Embryonic Development in Insects

PART II: MOLECULAR GENETIC TECHNIQUES

5. Some Basic Tools: How to Cut, Paste, Copy, Measure, Visualize, and Clone DNA

6. Some Additional Tools For the Molecular Biologist

7. DNA Sequencing and the Evolution of the "-Omics"

8. DNA Amplification by the Polymerase Chain Reaction: Molecular Biology Made Accessible

9. Transposable-Element Vectors and Other Methods To Genetically Modify Drosophila and Other Insects

PART III: APPLICATIONS IN ENTOMOLOGY

10. Sex Determination in Insects

11. Molecular Genetics of Insect Behavior

12. Molecular Systematics and Evolution of Arthropods

13. Insect Population Ecology and Molecular Genetics

14. Genetic Modification of Pest and Beneficial Insects for Pest Management Programs

Glossary

Index