Abstract

This volume of Advances in Genetics illustrates the series goal to publish the most current, up-to-date reviews in the field of molecular and human genetics. This volume deviates from previous volumes in that it focuses solely on the polytene chromosome. In an excellent and exhaustive review, I.F. Zhimulev illustrates the use and function of the polytene chromosome in three parts: morphology and structure, organization and functional role of the heterochromaticregions, and the transcription patterns and replication of the chromosome. To best illustrate the breadth and scope of research, Dr. Zhimulev includes more than 100 figures and more than 2900 references specifically relevant to the polytene chromosome.

• Presents technical and historical overviews of molecular biology applied to disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment
• Chronicles the continuing explosion of knowledge in molecular genetic medicine by highlighting current approaches to understanding human illness
• Documents the revolution in human and molecular genetics leading to a new field of medicine

"Outstanding both in variety and in the quality of its contributions." --NATURE

"Can be highly recommended to geneticists, and biologists in general...will prove to be of high importance for the development of the science of genetics." --SCIENCE

"The high standards of the Advances series of Academic Press are now almost taken for granted. The new volume matches up to the revolutionary and all-embracing developments in genetics that have occurred over the last few years." --SCIENCE PROGRESS

"This text would be of interest to geneticists, botanists, developmental biologists, molecular biologists, and other interested individuals." --BIOLOGICAL ABSTRACTS