Parasitology, Harold W. Manter Laboratory of
Date of this Version
1996
Abstract
A wide variety of approaches employing nucleic acids are included in this volume, and most of the protocols take advantage of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify sufficient quantities of DNA for comparison. One chapter (N. Springer et al.) that parasitologists should take special note of concerns the use of fluorescent oligonucleotide probes for the identification of protozoan endosymbionts. Selective hybridization of specifically designed oligonucleotide probes is a method that holds great promise for identification of microscopic organisms. In general, the experimental protocols are sufficiently detailed and organized to be used right at the laboratory bench. Most chapters contain a separate Notes section cross-referenced to steps of the experimental protocol. This organization keeps the protocols uncluttered, yet provides background information and important tips for troubleshooting unsuccessful experiments. The individual chapters vary substantially with respect to the amount of molecular biology experience needed to undertake a particular procedure. This book is not a "do it yourself manual" for biologists lacking molecular training. Nevertheless, the detail of most chapters with respect to lists of required equipment, reagents, and step-by-step methods is admirable.
The strength of this volume is its thoroughness in presentation of procedures; its weakness is that virtually no discussion of analytical or theoretical issues is provided, although this is typical of books detailing methods. One exception is the chapter by W. C. Black, who discusses the use of cluster analysis to determine if arbitrary PCR (random amplified polymorphic DNA and arbitrarily primed PCR markers) patterns are species specific and useful for diagnosing unknown specimens. This chapter will be instructive for investigators interested in using AP patterns (which typically display intraspecific polymorphisms) for species diagnosis. Researchers requiring additional information on methods of data analysis or the relationship between speciation and molecular genetics, should probably consult other recently published books (e.g., Schierwater et al., 1994).
Comments
Published by Nadler in Journal of Parasitology (1996) 82(4). Copyright © American Society of Parasitologists [1996]. Used by permission