Reece (University of Manchester, UK) introduces the theoretical and practical basis of genetic engineering, gene cloning, and molecular biology, using an example-driven approach to present fundamentals of creating mutations in DNA and cloning in bacteria, yeast, plants, and animals. All aspects of genetic engineering in the post-genomic era are covered, beginning with the basics of DNA structure and DNA metabolism, with new technologies, such as DNA macroarrays, are introduced in later chapters. Key concepts, color explanatory diagrams, and a list of acronyms are included. The text is aimed at students with a basic knowledge of the molecular side of biology.